I agree that it was a combination of both. People in Jersey are generally idiots and were afraid of a pro-2nd Amendment candidate. At the same time, the Republican Party completely screwed over the Schundler campaign.
However, let's look at the long-term picture. I have put my reputation on the line here on FR, and have GUARANTEED that Schundler will win the general election in '05. Judging by McSkeevy's poll numbers currently, this is not far-fetched to believe.
As long as that happens, I'm willing to deal with 4 years of McGreevy. IMO, four years of the Skeeve followed by a Schundler victory beats the hell out of a scumbag RINO like DiFrancesco or Whitman running the state for 8.
I guess what I am saying is that I am personally willing to "hold my nose" and vote for someone I dislike in the General Election, but in the primaries, I will ALWAYS vote my concience, regardless of the "electability" of my chosen candidate.
You are obviously intelligent and see the big picture. electability versus ideology requires an artful balance and an intelligent voter recognizes that.