Governor-wide, battle lines for November's elections run along the lines that most political analysts anticipated. A couple of upsets marked local contests but set the stage for what promise to be lively November races.

Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno and Phil Murphy (AP Photo)
Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno and Phil Murphy (AP Photo)
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Republican Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno faces Democrat Phil Murphy for the Governor's seat. Murphy's background includes time as a U.S. Ambassador to Germany, and a lengthy career in the Goldman Sachs financial firm that also employed former Governor Jon Corzine. Guadagno's career highlights include a term as Monmouth County Sheriff.

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In Ocean County, Guadagno swamped her competition. Murphy edged Assemblyman Jon Wisniewski by 353 votes. District 12 State Senator Sam Thompson prevailed over Republican opponent Art Haney, and his Assembly counterparts Ron Dancer and Rob Clifton outpointed Alex Robotin, Debbie Walker and John Franklin.

Ocean County Freeholder Director Joe Vicari fended off a challenge by Jenny Heinz. His November opponent is Helen Cruz. Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian Burry and Holmdel Township Councilman Patrick Impreveduto carry the GOP banner in the fall against Margaret Donlon and Brian Wilton.

In Toms River, First Ward Councilwoman Maria Maruca retains her spot on the November ticket, defeating Justin Lamb. Brick's mayoral race sets incumbent Democrat John Ducey against Republican ex-police officer Domenick Brando. In Lakewood, the race for two committee seats is incumbent Democrat Ray Coles and Moshe Ratzik versus incumbent Republican Michael D'Elia and Michael Berman.

FOP Gries Burry
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In Beachwood, Democrats Bonnie Verga and Helen Fitzsimmons won the ballot positions to oppose Borough Councilman Greg Feeney and Steven Komsa.

Colts Neck Republican Mayor Thomas Orgo prevails, but Township Council member Edward Eastman is supplanted by Michael Viola for the other open full-term ballot spot. Democrats logged 17 write-ins. In Roosevelt, Democrats Joseph Trammell and Maureen Parrott edged Alana Porter and Stacy Bonna for the right to seek two Borough Council seats.

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