(Redirected from 1981 New Jersey State Senate election)
1981 New Jersey Senate elections
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All 40 seats in the New Jersey State Senate 21 seats needed for a majority |
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Results by district Democratic hold Democratic gain Republican hold Republican gain |
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The 1981 New Jersey Senate elections were held on November 3. The New Jersey legislature reapportioned its state legislative districts in advance of the 1981 election. The new districts resulted in many senators running for re-election in newly re-numbered districts. The election coincided with a tightly contested gubernatorial election between Thomas Kean and James Florio. Republicans gained five seats, narrowing the Democratic majority to 22–18.
A Federal Bureau of Investigation investigation resulted in the retirements of Senators Joseph A. Maressa and Angelo Errichetti, both of whom accepted bribes from the FBI under the guise of Arab oil sheikhs. Errichetti was convicted; Maressa was not prosecuted but opted to retire.
Incumbents not running for re-election
Democratic
Republican
1974–821982–1992New Jersey Legislature before (left) and after (right) the 1981 redistricting
Summary of results by State Senate district
- The seat was left vacant by the expulsion of Angelo Errichetti following his conviction for federal bribery charges.
- Redistricted to 10th district.
- Redistricted to 11th district.
- Redistricted to 12th district.
- Redistrict to 13th district.
- Redistricted to 15th district.
- Redistricted to 23rd district.
- Redistricted to 24th district.
- The seat had been vacant since Bernard J. Dwyer resigned to take his seat in the United States House of Representatives.
- Redistricted to 21st district.
- Redistricted to 20th district.
- Redistricted to 25th district.
- Redistricted to 26th district.
- Redistricted to 30th district.
- Redistricted to 32nd district.
- Redistricted to 36th district.
- This seat had been vacant since the resignation of Anthony Scardino to join the Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission.
Close races
Seats where the margin of victory was under 10%:
- District 30, 1.7%
- District 33, 3.2%
- District 2, 3.4%
- District 21, 3.8%
- District 18, 4.2%
- District 38, 4.5%
- District 20, 4.6%
- District 34, 5.4%
- District 1, 7.6%
District 1
The first district consisted of all of Cape May County and the Cumberland municipalities of Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Upper Deerfield, Deerfield, and Maurice River. Prior to redistricting, it had contained all of Cumberland County.
Incumbent Senator James Cafiero retired.
Republican primary
Candidates
Results
Democratic primary
Candidates
Results
General election
Candidates
Results
District 2
The second district consisted of Atlantic County except for the municipalities of Folsom, Buena, and Buena Vista, which were removed in redistricting. Redistricting also removed Bass River and Washington in Burlington County and Tuckerton and Little Egg Harbor in Ocean County.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Richard "Reds" Lavin, labor organizer and state government liaison for the Atlantic City Department of Parks and Public Property (The Alternative)
- Steven Perskie, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Endorsed By Atlantic County Democratic Convention)
Results
Republican primary
Candidates
Results
General election
Candidates
Results
District 3
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Raymond Zane, incumbent Senator (Regular Democratic Organization)
Results
1981 Democratic primary
Party
|
Candidate
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Votes
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%
|
|
Democratic
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Raymond Zane (inc.)
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13,337
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100.00%
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Total votes
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13,337
|
100.00%
|
Republican primary
Candidates
- D. Paul McMahon Jr., owner of a Woodbury electrical contracting firm
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
D. Paul McMahon Jr.
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8,015
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
8,015
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
- D. Paul McMahon Jr., owner of a Woodbury electrical contracting firm (Republican)
- Raymond Zane, incumbent Senator (Democratic)
Results
District 4
Democratic primary
Candidates
This primary was a rematch of the 1979 Assembly election, in which Dalton and running mate Dennis L. Riley, who ran with the support of Congressman Jim Florio, unseated Gewertz and Francis J. Gorman, who had the support of Camden mayor and State Senator Angelo Errichetti. Each candidate had the support of their respective county party; Dalton in Camden and Gewertz in Gloucester.
Results
Republican primary
Candidates
- Connie B. Roggio, Gloucester Township councilwoman (Regular Republican Organization)
- Frank B. Smith (Organization of Regular Republicans)
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
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Frank B. Smith
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2,766
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60.12%
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|
Republican
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Connie Roggio
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1,835
|
39.88%
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Total votes
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4,601
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
Results
District 5
Democratic primary
Candidates
Unlike the neighboring fourth district, both Assemblymen Rand and Schuck were considered allies of Errichetti and shared a legislative office. Their friendly relations were maintained throughout a "kid-gloves" campaign, despite the close margin.
Ultimately, Florio struck an alliance with Rand which propelled him over the top as Florio ran up large numbers in the gubernatorial race.
Results
Republican primary
Candidates
- John H. Lyons Jr. (Regular Republican Organization of Camden County)
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
John H. Lyons Jr.
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2,338
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100.00%
|
Total votes
|
2,338
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
District 6
Republican primary
Candidates
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
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%
|
|
Republican
|
Lee B. Laskin (incumbent)
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7,777
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100.00%
|
Total votes
|
7,777
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100.00%
|
Democratic primary
Candidates
- James Greenberg (Regular Democratic Organization)
Results
1981 Democratic primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Democratic
|
James Greenberg
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11,663
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100.00%
|
Total votes
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11,663
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100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
- James Greenberg (Democratic)
- Lee Laskin, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican)
District 7
Democratic primary
Candidates
Results
1981 Democratic primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
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%
|
|
Democratic
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Herman T. Costello
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11,723
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100.00%
|
Total votes
|
11,723
|
100.00%
|
Republican primary
Candidates
- Michael J. Conda (Regular Republican Organization)
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
Michael J. Conda
|
6,807
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100.00%
|
Total votes
|
6,807
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
District 8
Republican primary
Candidates
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
H. James Saxton
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10,384
|
100.00%
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Total votes
|
10,384
|
100.00%
|
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Raymond J. Storck (Regular Democratic Organization)
Results
1981 Democratic primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
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Democratic
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Raymond J. Storck
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7,328
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100.00%
|
Total votes
|
7,328
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
District 9
Republican primary
Candidates
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
Leonard T. Connors
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13,697
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100.00%
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Total votes
|
13,697
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100.00%
|
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Wesley K. Bell, former mayor of Stafford Township and candidate for U.S. Senate in 1978 (Official Regular Democrat Organization)
Results
1981 Democratic primary
Party
|
Candidate
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Votes
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%
|
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Democratic
|
Wesley K. Bell
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6,822
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100.00%
|
Total votes
|
6,822
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
District 10
All of the new tenth district had previously been contained within the boundaries of the ninth district in Ocean County. It consisted of Lakewood, Brick, and Toms River, and the shore towns of Lavallette, Mantoloking, Bay Head, Seaside Park, Seaside Heights, Ocean Gate, Point Pleasant Beach, and Point Pleasant.
Democratic primary
Candidates
Results
1981 Democratic primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Democratic
|
John F. Russo (incumbent)
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7,941
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100.00%
|
Total votes
|
7,941
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100.00%
|
Republican primary
Candidates
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
Hazel Gluck
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11,728
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100.00%
|
Total votes
|
11,728
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
Results
District 11
Republican primary
Candidates
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
Leonard T. Connors
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13,697
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100.00%
|
Total votes
|
13,697
|
100.00%
|
Democratic primary
Candidates
- George Callas (Regular Democratic Organization of Monmouth County)
Results
1981 Democratic primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Democratic
|
George Callas
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6,506
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
6,506
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
- George Callas (Democratic)
- Stan Johnson (Citizens)
- Brian T. Kennedy, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican)
Results
District 12
Republican primary
Candidates
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
S. Thomas Gagliano (incumbent)
|
8,456
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
8,456
|
100.00%
|
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Roger J. Kane (Regular Democratic Organization of Monmouth County)
Results
1981 Democratic primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Democratic
|
Roger J. Kane
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7,755
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
7,755
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
Results
District 13
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Eugene J. Bedell, incumbent Senator since 1974 (Regular Democratic Organization of Monmouth County)
Results
1981 Democratic primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Democratic
|
Eugene J. Bedell (incumbent)
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8,143
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
8,143
|
100.00%
|
Republican primary
Candidates
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
John P. Gallagher
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5,930
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
5,930
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
Results
District 14
Democratic primary
Candidates
Results
1981 Democratic primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Democratic
|
Francis J. McManimon
|
9,180
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
9,180
|
100.00%
|
Republican primary
Candidates
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
Thomas Colitsas
|
4,986
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
4,986
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
Results
District 15
Incumbent Senator Joseph Merlino, who had been redistricted from the 13th district, opted to run for Governor of New Jersey.
Democratic primary
Candidates
Sollami had the support of county party chair and power broker Richard J. Coffee.
Results
Republican primary
Candidates
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
Carmen Armenti
|
5,394
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
5,394
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
Results
District 16
Republican primary
Candidates
- John H. Ewing, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Somerset County Republican Organization)
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
John H. Ewing (incumbent)
|
14,485
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
14,485
|
100.00%
|
Democratic primary
Candidates
- John F. Guerrera (Regular Democratic Organization)
Results
1981 Democratic primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Democratic
|
John F. Guerrera
|
4,326
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
4,326
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
- John H. Ewing, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican)
- John F. Guerrera (Regular Democratic Organization)
Results
District 17
Democratic primary
Candidates
Results
Republican primary
Candidates
- Donald J. Douglas (Middlesex County Republican Organization, Inc.)
- John Giammarco (Middlesex County Regular Republican Organization)
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
Donald J. Douglas
|
2,210
|
66.93%
|
|
Republican
|
John Giammarco
|
1,092
|
33.07%
|
Total votes
|
3,302
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
District 18
Democratic primary
Candidates
Results
Republican primary
Candidates
- Joseph M. Cooperstein (Middlesex County Republican Organization, Inc.)
- Peter Garibaldi, former Assemblyman from Monroe Township (Middlesex County Regular Republican Organization)
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
Peter Garibaldi
|
4,371
|
74.00%
|
|
Republican
|
Joseph M. Cooperstein
|
1,536
|
26.00%
|
Total votes
|
5,907
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
District 19
Democratic primary
Candidates
Results
Republican primary
Candidates
- Edmund S. Kaboski (Middlesex County Republican Organization, Inc.)
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
Edmund S. Kaboski
|
1,750
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
1,750
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
- Edmund S. Kaboski (Republican)
- Laurence S. Weiss, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Democratic)
Results
District 20
Democratic primary
Candidates
- John T. Gregorio, incumbent Senator since 1978 and mayor of Linden (Regular Democratic Organization of Union County)
Results
Republican primary
Candidates
- John Fenick (Regular Organization Republican of Union County)
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
John Fenick
|
3,519
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
3,519
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
Results
District 21
Democratic primary
Candidates
Results
1981 Democratic primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Democratic
|
Anthony E. Russo (incumbent)
|
9,516
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
9,516
|
100.00%
|
Republican primary
Candidates
- C. Louis Bassano, Assemblyman from Union Township (Regular Organization Republican of Union County)
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
C. Louis Bassano
|
10,693
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
10,693
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
Results
District 22
Republican primary
Candidates
- Anthony J. Crincoli (Regular Republican Party)
- Donald DiFrancesco, incumbent Senator since 1979 (Regular Organization Republican of Union County)
Results
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Frank Fiorito (Democratic Party—Organization)
Results
1981 Democratic primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Democratic
|
Frank Fiorito
|
6,997
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
6,997
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
Results
District 23
Republican primary
Candidates
- Walter Foran, incumbent Senator since 1977 (Regular Republican Organization)
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
Walter Foran (incumbent)
|
11,291
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
11,291
|
100.00%
|
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Samuel J. Gugliemini (Regular Democratic Organization)
Results
1981 Democratic primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Democratic
|
Samuel J. Gugliemini
|
4,868
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
4,868
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
- Walter Foran, incumbent Senator since 1977 (Republican)
- Samuel J. Gugliemini (Democratic)
Results
District 24
Republican primary
Candidates
The campaign between Albanese and Dumont was possibly the most bitter in the state. Dumont had supported Albanese in his short-lived campaign for governor, only for Albanese to withdraw from that race and challenge Dumont.
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
Wayne Dumont (incumbent)
|
7,588
|
59.98%
|
|
Republican
|
Donald J. Albanese
|
5,062
|
40.02%
|
Total votes
|
12,650
|
100.00%
|
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Edward Gaffney (Regular Democratic Party Organization)
Results
1981 Democratic primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Democratic
|
Frank Fiorito
|
6,997
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
6,997
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
- Wayne Dumont, incumbent Senator since 1968 (Republican)
- Edward Gaffney (Democratic)
Results
District 25
Republican primary
Candidates
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
John H. Dorsey (incumbent)
|
12,675
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
12,675
|
100.00%
|
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Horace Chamberlain (Democrat)
Results
1981 Democratic primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Democratic
|
Horace Chamberlain
|
4,737
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
4,737
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
- Horace Chamberlain (Democratic)
- John H. Dorsey, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican)
Results
District 26
Republican primary
Candidates
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
James P. Vreeland (incumbent)
|
12,829
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
12,829
|
100.00%
|
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Benjamin Steltzer (Regular Democrat)
Results
1981 Democratic primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Democratic
|
Benjamin Steltzer
|
5,016
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
5,016
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
- Benjamin Steltzer (Democratic)
- James P. Vreeland, incumbent Senator since 1974 (Republican)
Results
District 27
Democratic primary
Candidates
- James J. Brown ("Think" Democratic)
- Richard Codey, Assemblyman from Orange (Democratic Party Organization)
- Gayle Brody Rosen
Results
Republican primary
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
Richard E. Koehler (write-in)
|
22
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
22
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
Results
District 28
Democratic primary
Candidates
Results
Republican primary
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
Herta B. Tully (write-in)
|
70
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
70
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
- John P. Caufield, incumbent Senator since 1979 (Democratic)
- Herta B. Tully (Republican)
Results
District 29
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Wynona Lipman, incumbent Senator since 1972 (Democratic Party—Organization)
Results
1981 Democratic primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Democratic
|
Wynona Lipman (incumbent)
|
11,479
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
11,479
|
100.00%
|
Republican primary
Candidates
- Louis J. Smith (Essex Republican Party Organization)
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
Louis J. Smith
|
514
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
514
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
- Wynona Lipman, incumbent Senator since 1972 (Democratic)
- Louis J. Smith (Republican)
Results
District 30
Democratic primary
Candidates
Results
1981 Democratic primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Democratic
|
Carmen Orechio (incumbent)
|
9,000
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
9,000
|
100.00%
|
Republican primary
Candidates
- John I. Crecco (Essex Republican Party Organization)
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
John I. Crecco
|
9,920
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
9,920
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
- John I. Crecco (Republican)
- Arthur Kinoy (Citizens)
- Carmen Orechio, incumbent Senator since 1974 and mayor of Nutley (Democratic)
Results
District 31
Democratic primary
Candidates
Results
Republican primary
Candidates
- Jean C. Lane (Regular Republican Organization)
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
Jean C. Lane
|
1,505
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
1,505
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
Results
District 32
Democratic primary
Candidates
Results
Republican primary
Candidates
- Joseph F. Ward (Regular Republican Organization)
Results
1981 Republican primary
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Republican
|
Joseph F. Ward
|
2,543
|
100.00%
|
Total votes
|
2,543
|
100.00%
|
General election
Candidates
Results
District 33
District 34
District 35
District 36
1981 general election
Party
|
Candidate
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Democratic
|
Joseph Hirkala
|
30,422
|
55.4
|
|
Republican
|
Philip R. Gervato
|
23,049
|
42.0
|
|
Bergen Home Rule
|
Edna M. Perrotta
|
1,395
|
2.5
|
Total votes
|
54,866
|
100.0
|
District 37
District 38
District 39
District 40
Notes
- ^ Senator Dumont previously served in the Senate from 1952 to 1966 but gave up his seat for one term in order to run for Governor in 1965.
References
- ^ Tinney, Kathleen (November 1, 2012). "Joseph A. Maressa, 89, former state Senator". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved June 26, 2021.
- ^ Sullivan, Joseph F. (June 7, 1981). "A NEW LOOK FOR THE LEGISLATURE". The New York Times. p. NJ1.
- ^ "Candidates for the Offices of State Senate and General Assembly" (PDF). Retrieved August 3, 2023.
- ^ "Candidates for the Offices of State Senate and General Assembly" (PDF). Retrieved June 26, 2021.
- Prendergast, Frank J. (May 13, 1981). "Lavin Criticizes Perskie". Press of Atlantic City. p. 40. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
- ^ Micko, Lillian (October 27, 1981). "Money becomes main issue in 3rd district race". Courier-Post. p. 6. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
- Staff. "County Voters Shun Primary - Heavily", Asbury Park Press, June 6, 1979. Accessed September 15, 2016. "Elsewhere in the state, candidates running on a ticket fielded by Florio won the Democratic nominations in two Camden County Assembly districts over an opposing ticket backed by Errichetti.... Four-term Assemblymen Kenneth Gewertz and Francis Gorman were upset by Florio's team of Daniel Dalton and Dennis Riley in the fourth district, which takes in parts of Gloucester and Burlington counties as well as part of Camden."
- ^ "One incumbent fails to hold Senate seat". The Daily Register. Associated Press. June 3, 1981. p. 9. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
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