The last time someone gave up his seat to run statewide and then found a safety net to return after losing the primary was in 1989, when Assembly Speaker Chuck Hardwick sought the Republican nomination for Governor. After finishing third in the primary, Hardwick was able to return to the Legislature when his running mate, Peter Genova, decided to drop his re-election bid. Talk of Camden County Democrats nominating Camille Andrews to replace her husband in the first district congressional race (she was one of sixteen names on George Norcross’s short list of House candidates) has caused some Democrats – and Republicans – to question Andrews’ commitment to the Senate race, and his confidence in defeating Frank Lautenberg in the primary.
