keep in mind, even whitman’s wins were by 1 pt. 49-48 in 93 and 47-46 in 97.
The last real solid GOP win was when Bush41 won NJ by around 56-42 against the Duke.
to lose NJ is a big deal. to lose it by a solid margin is even bigger. to lose it after Obama showed up multiple times and basically inserted himself into the race is even bigger still.
things like this also help in presidential and senate elections. To have a GOP Gov, especially if Christie ends up doing well and turning things around, or even gets lucky and just gets the credit for the inevitable economic recovery, would really improve the GOP’s chances in 2012.
Fox calls it for McD