HARRISON, N.J. (WCBS 880) -- The bitter race for senator of New Jersey wrapped up Tuesday as both candidates cast their ballots on a rainy Election Day morning.
Democratic incumbent Bob Menendez opened up a 15-point lead in a Quinnipiac poll released Monday, but the two-term senator appeared subdued as he arrived at the Harrison Recreation Center and stood in a short line before casting his vote around 7 a.m. Giving a thumbs up, he urged others to do the same.
“There’s only one way to create a blue wave and that’s to get in the water and vote. We can’t do it from your couch. We can’t stop Trump from your couch. We can only do it by coming out to vote,” Menendez said, adding, “I hope it pours with votes.”
Menendez also accused his Republican challenger Bob Hugin of hoping "it pours so people don't come out."
A spokeswoman for Hugin called that accusation baloney.
Hugin, who served as CEO of the drugmaker Celgene, brought his wife and daughter to their polling place in Summit Tuesday morning. He expressed confidence of an upset win.
“I actually think the bottom is falling out of his campaign,” Hugin said. “If you look at the desperation, the money that Chuck Schumer has put in right up to the end, it’s – listen – they know the people deserve better, so they’re worried. We’re the ones feeling very good about it.”
Polls opened at 6 a.m. Tuesday and will close at 8 p.m. in New Jersey.