Low turnout in Hunterdon doesn't worry Lance

FLEMINGTON – Despite the bustle of mothers lined up at the entrance to Robert Hunter Elementary School, the path marked by a "vote" arrow sits untraveled.

Inside the polling area, a gymnasium, the space sits completely empty, except for an election worker irritated by our presence. "Turnout is low," he said before showing PolitickerNJ.com the exit.

This doesn't trouble Amanda Woloshen , spokeswoman for 7th District Congressional candidate Leonard Lance. "Turnout is as expected, moderate to low," she says, "but we're in a very good position."

This is Lance country.

"We've been campaigning here for months, we've got the help of the county organization, and over 100 endorsers," Woloshen says, "its about bringing out the base today. [Hunterdon] is safe."

While Lance's strongest opponent, Kate Whitman hit the trail today seeking support, Lance made just a brief appearance at his polling site in Clinton, delivered lunch to volunteers, and then retired home.

Asked whether Whitman's election day politicking validates her claims of being an "energetic" candidate, Woloshen responds, "a.k.a she has no experience to point to."

At Lance's makeshift campaign headquarters, confidence exudes from every corner of what's normally a realty office. From behind Bluetooth headsets and blackberries, phone banking volunteers report that responses have been positive.

"They're mostly senior citizens," says one volunteer, "but most people I've talked to say they've been out to vote."

Until results come in tonight, the campaign will remain hunkered down here in Hunterdon. "We start our general election campaign tomorrow," Woloshen says, adding, "I hope."

Politicker's Megan Buerger and Koeun Lee contributed to this report.