I would like to share your optimism.
Has NJ ever had a republican US Senator?
We try in the optimism department. Remember though, that the Torch is also weak on the defense issue. We were hit hard on 911 (my town lost 36 people that day). Attitudes here are different than they were a few months ago.
Last GOP sentator from this state was, if I remember correctly, Clifford Case (first elected in the 50's, served through the 70's).