Sen. Bob Menendez wins second term in NJ - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

By ANGELA DELLI SANTI | AP

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey voters are sending U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez back to Washington for another six-year term.

Menendez easily won re-election over Republican challenger Joe Kyrillos, who has been a New Jersey legislator for 24 years.

The 58-year-old Menendez never trailed in public opinion polls, so the race didn't generate much buzz.

The Hudson County Democrat entered the race with obvious advantages over his lesser-known opponent.

Besides running with President Barack Obama at the top of the ticket, Menendez out-raised Kyrillos by nearly 3-to-1.

Kyrillos' biggest weapon was GOP Gov. Chris Christie, who campaigned at diners and rallies with his longtime friend down the stretch.

Even the popular governor couldn't overcome a 40-year trend of New Jersey residents electing only Democrats to the Senate.