Personal Tales May Sway Jon Runyan’s Race (versus late ex Dem Adler's wife)

Roll Call ^ | June 29, 2012 | By Justin Worland

[SMGFan]

New Jersey Rep. Jon Runyan is currently favored to win his first re-election race this fall in a district that was improved for the Republican by redistricting.

But the former professional football player faces a unique political circumstance in the 3rd district contest against former town Councilwoman and PTA President Shelley Adler (D). The memory of Adler’s late husband, Rep. John Adler (D), who lost a close race to Runyan in 2010, has the potential to disrupt the dynamics of the race. New Jersey political observers said Runyan maintains the edge. But, they added, Adler has a path to victory, even if it is largely out of her control. Adler’s sympathetic story places Runyan in the difficult position of needing to distinguish himself from his opponent without appearing to bully a widow. Because of this sensitivity, the race will likely hinge on economic concerns and President Barack Obama’s performance in the district, rather than personal attacks, observers said.

[SMGFan]

So what qualifies as bullying a widow? Of course she will vote like the party tells her.

[mazda77]

Holy Cow! Cry me a fargin river Roll Call! Go for it Jon, just like you would an underweight linebacker! Pancake her and then don’t let her get up! Equality IS a two way street!

[mkmensinger]

For years the scariest sight for a defensive back was the sight of Jon Runyan leading a sweep, bearing down on the db.

[mazda77]

10-4. So let’s see Jon sweep her off her feet, with extreme political prejudice.

[SueRae]

Ridiculous.

Sympathy votes? Oh, yeah, like that worked out so well with all the ‘white guilt’ voters for 0bama in ‘08.

[FlipWilson]

I live in NJ and can assure you that all her sympathy votes disappeared on Thursday.

[07Jack]

I live in Runyan’s district and have a pretty good feel for this one. I think Runyan’s biggest potential problem is a large black voter turnout in support of Obama that will undoubtedly pull a straight Democrat lever. There was a low turnout in those areas two years ago when Runyan defeated Adler's husband. With that said Runyan’s has done a good job of making himself visible and seems very well liked within the district.