New Jersey voters pick new Assembly

A day before voters went to the polls, Governor Christie was ready with an explanation for what eventually became the New Jersey Republican Party’s demoralizing performance in Tuesday’s Assembly races.

District 11, which includes the Congers area and northern Clarkstown: Republican Laurie Santulli out polled Democrat Richard Diaz, who had been appointed to the seat when Frank Sparaco resigned in connection with election-fraud charges.

Polling places are open Tuesday from 6 a.m.to 8 p.m.

Vote counts were still being tabulated Wednesday, but Murray and other analysts expected the turnout to be a record low, thanks in part to the lack of a high-interest presidential or gubernatorial contest on the ballot.

With Styk’s loss in the 18th, the Republicans now have 19 legislators to the Democrats’ 10, as well as the top county job with new executive Cheryl Dinolfo.

Democrats had targeted the traditionally Republican district, which Republicans has controlled since 1992. Republicans have held both seats in the district since 1992. It included rants against gays, Asians and breast-feeding moms. The GOP and Cappola’s running mate, Mark DiPisa, immediately criticized his candidacy. Senate President Steve Sweeney was also chosen to lead his chamber again next year. He described the book as Howard Stern meets Rush Limbaugh.

In the Third District with 83 percent of the vote, incumbent Republican Joe Duffy was overwhelmingly re-elected over Democratic challenger Robert Polsunas.

Cappola took responsibility and initially bowed out of the race, but his name remained on the ballot. The party tried to replace him on the ballot but abandoned the effort when the legal costs topped six figures. Fresh off a sharp debate performance last week, Christie’s national poll numbers are on the upswing, and a video of the governor detailing a friend’s drug addiction has become a viral hit, garnering 4 million views in less than a week. After that, Cappola resumed campaigning for the seat.

The Election Law Enforcement Commission says that’s the biggest share ever in a statewide race.

In the 13th District, representing parts of Henrietta and Pittsford, incumbent Republican John Howland defeated Democratic challenger Simeon Banister, 3,961 to 2,693.