Menendez is deep in the Hudson County political machine, which is why I bring up Steve Fulop, mayor of Jersey City which is the largest city in Hudson County. Control of the Hudson County political machine may be up in air, but it is probable that Fulop has enough control over it to cut out Menendez and deliver votes to Tammy.

And machine politics are still a thing in New Jersey. I have a friend trying to find a home for a turkey that the mayor gave him. Where else in the USA would it be expected that the mayor of your town would buy you a turkey to help convince you to vote?