By Philip Sean Curran, Staff Writer
Democratic and Republican voters in Central Jersey will go to the polls Tuesday, primary day around the state, to determine who will represent the two major parties in contests for the Legislature and for governor in November.
In the 14th legislative district, incumbent state Sen. Linda R. Greenstein, a Democrat, faces no challenger. But on the Republican side, Bruce C. Mac Donald and Ileana Schirmer are battling to see who will oppose Greenstein.
In the Assembly race, the outcome is clearer. Incumbent Democrats Wayne P. DeAngelo and Daniel R. Benson are unopposed, as are Republican challengers Steven Uccio and Kristian Stout.
In the 15th district, state Sen. Shirley K. Turner, a Democrat, is running unopposed, as is her Republican challenger Lee Eric Newton.
Incumbents Assemblyman Reed Gusciora and Assemblywoman Liz Muoio face a challenge from Gail Boyland on the Democratic side, while Republicans Rimma Yakobovich and Emily Rich are unopposed.
In the 16th district, state Sen. Kip Bateman, a Republican, is running unopposed, as is Democrat Laurie Poppe.
The Assembly race in the 16th will feature Andrew Zwicker, an incumbent, and fellow Democrat Roy Freiman running unopposed. Likewise, Republicans Donna M. Simon and Mark Caliguire are unopposed.
The big contest of the day, however, will be for governor. The main event on the Republican side will pit Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno against Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-16), while Democrat Phil Murphy is seen as the front-runner on the Democratic side, despite challenges from state Sen. Raymond J. Lesniak (D-20), Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski (D-19) and Jim Johnson.
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
