Lautenberg wins Democratic primary, which makes him a shoo-in

TRENTON- In yesterday's primary race for a Senate seat, Democratic incumbent Frank Lautenberg repulsed a challenge by U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews and Morristown Mayor Donald Cresitello for the party's nomination.

Lautenberg will compete in November against a former House member, Dick Zimmer, who defeated state Sen. Joseph Pennacchio and Murray Sabrin, a business professor at Ramapo College, in the Republican primary.

The incumbent is favored to win re-election in a state that has not sent a Republican to the Senate in 36 years.

New Jersey's entire 13-member House delegation is up for re-election in November. Only two incumbents faced primary challenges, and both prevailed: Rep. Frank LoBiondo, a Republican in South Jersey's 2nd District, and Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, a Republican in North Jersey's 11th District.

State Sen. Leonard Lance defeated six other Republicans - including Kate Whitman, daughter of former Gov. Christie Whitman - for the 7th District seat now held by Rep. Mike Ferguson. The winner faces Assemblywoman Linda Stender in November.

Chris Myers defeated two opponents to win the Republican nomination for the 3rd District seat held by the retiring Rep. Jim Saxton. Democratic state Sen. John Adler awaits the winner.

Also of note was the result of the Democratic contest in the 1st District, where Andrews' wife, Camille, beat three other Democrats for the nomination.

Andrews had said he would give up his House seat even if he lost to Lautenberg, but others have questioned whether his wife is merely a placeholder. The 1st District includes parts of Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties. *