November 7, 2007 - 5:47pm
News

Bodine does not better in 8th than past sacrificial lambs

Assemblyman Francis Bodine, at his desk during a legislative sessionAssemblyman Francis Bodine, at his desk during a legislative session
Republican-turned-Democrat Francis Bodine won just 39% of the vote in his bid for a State Senate seat -- not much better than the 33% that Democrat Thomas Price won against Martha Bark in 2003, without the benefit of campaign funds and staff. Bodine won the same percentage as Gary Haman did against Bark in 2001, and ran six points behind Democratic Senate candidate Marie Hall in 1997.

The electoral performance of Bodine the Democrat is consistent with other legislative party switchers: Arline Friscia in 2005, Rafael Fraguella and Matthew Ahearn in 2003, Raymond Zane in 2001, and Angela Perun and Jorge Rod in 1985.

Wally Edge can be reached via email at politicsnj@aol.com.