Sweeney, Assembly Democrats imperiled in the 3rd district

The New Jersey Globe is retracting its call of the 3rd legislative district in favor of Democrats; in a major surprise, all three incumbent Democrats stand a significant chance of losing to their unheralded Republican foes.

Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-West Deptford) trails Republican Ed Durr, while Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-Paulsboro) and Assemblyman Adam Taliaferro (D-Woolwich) are currently losing to Bethanne McCarthy-Patrick and Beth Sawyer.

If Sweeney in particular does indeed lose, it would constitute a political earthquake in the New Jersey legislature. Holding the Senate Presidency since 2010, Sweeney is the longest-serving legislative leader in state history, and seemed to have an iron grip on the 3rd district – until tonight, that is.