Runyan Ousts Adler In NJ's 3rd Congressional District
MT. LAUREL, NJ (CBS) -- In South Jersey, Republicans recaptured a Congressional seat that had been in their control for a century, as former Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jon Runyan defeated freshman Democrat John Adler.
Runyan's margin of victory in Ocean County was more that enough to surpass Adler's win in Burlington and Camden counties.
Runyan said as a congressman he won't be guided by special interests:
"It is truly about being yourself and voting your conscience, and a return to that returns this country to what it should be."
Watch Runyan's Victory Speech...
Adler promised to support his successor going forward:
"If he succeeds, if the next Congress succeeds, then the Adler family succeeds, the families of the Third District succeed, and the families of our great country succeed."
Hear Adler's Concession Speech...
The race between Runyan and Adler was heated. Both Runyan and tea party groups criticized Adler, claiming his campaign planted a phony tea party candidate in the race to take votes from the Republican. Adler and independent candidate Peter DeStefano both denied the accusations.
Elsewhere in South Jersey, incumbents Rob Andrews and Frank LoBiondo were re-elected with ease, and voters statewide approved a referendum restricting the use of income tax revenue.
Reported by David Madden, KYW Newsradio 1060.
