senate race

Anne Evans Estabrook says she suffered a mini-stroke on Monday morning that has forced her to end her bid for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination.

“On Monday morning, at approximately 7:45 AM, I noticed in the mirror that the left side of my face was drooping slightly and that I was losing control of my left arm,” Estabrook said. “After several hours of testing, the doctors confirmed that I had suffered a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or mini-stroke.”

Estabrook says she has not suffered any long term damage, but “the bad news is that once the condition presents itself, there is a high likelihood it could happen again.” 

Voters have no idea who the Republican U.S. Senate candidates are, according to a Fairleigh Dickinson University poll released this morning. 84% of voters have never heard of State Senator Joseph Pennacchio, 87% don’t recognize Anne Evans Estabrook, and 89% have no idea who Murray Sabrin is. Among Republicans, the number is similarly dismal: 82% haven’t heard of Pennacchio, 83% don’t know who Sabrin is, and 87% are unfamiliar with Estabrook.

“No brand name has entered the race for the Republicans,” said Peter Woolley, a political scientist and director of the poll. “In part, that is a reflection of poor prospects for the Republican Party nationally which is bogged down with an unpopular President, an unpopular war, and a softening economy.”

The four-term incumbent, Democrat Frank Lautenberg, is known by 85% of New Jersey voters; he has a 42%-23% favorability rating.

“He’s a brand name and they like him.” Woolley said.