Another Pickup in New Jersey

I noticed that this hadn't been posted yet, so here it is:

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/7327232.htm

Incumbent Republican George Geist conceded Friday to Democratic opponent Fred Madden in the state's Fourth District Senate race, ending a tumultuous election that broke fund-raising records.

Madden, a political newcomer, spent roughly $4 million in his bid to represent the Fourth District, made up of four municipalities in Camden County and six in Gloucester County. A large chunk of that money, $1.5 million, came in the form of loans, according to campaign-finance filings with the state.

In a recount this week, Madden's lead increased from 55 votes to 63. To challenge the results further, Geist would have been required to show fraud or irregularities. Geist, whose career as an assemblyman and senator spanned 12 years, has been a political institution in South Jersey, and even his enemies credited him for his hard work and dedication to the legislature.

Democrats had said shortly after the election that they would consider offering Geist a judgeship, but there has been little talk of it since. Noting that former Republican State Sen. John J. Matheussen recommended him for a judgeship, Geist added that no job had been offered to him. "That's a gubernatorial decision that has never been presented," he said.

To the oily bastard. Couldn't even give testimony on his own bills, he was so stupid.

That is a lot of money. I really don't like it when that much money is used. That would be considered a decent amount for a congressional race but this was a state senate race.

The republicans are in a lot of trouble in this state. This had become a solidly democratic state from being a crucial swing state just about a decade ago.