[3] Robert Morgan, the original Democratic nominee, withdrew from the race, citing the pressure of his medical practice.

[4] Party chair John Fiorino and U.S. Representative James J. Howard recruited him into the race through a draft movement; their support would also be critical to any judicial appointment.

[4] Garibaldi stressed the issue of auto insurance premiums, which he said remained unsatisfactorily high despite recent legislation to slow rate increases.

Codey charged that Shain earned large dividends from stock in a cable television company which was awarded a franchise to operate in Orange.

[9] Carrino challenged Caufield, who had served two terms and was a close ally of Newark mayor Kenneth A. Gibson.

During the prior legislative session, Caufield had blocked a bill supported by the city council that would have reformed school board elections in Newark.

[9] The 30th district in suburban Essex County was among the most highly contested in the state, due to Orechio's position as President of the New Jersey Senate and the most powerful Democrat in Trenton.

[8] Salerno, a first-time candidate for office, campaigned on a strong anti-crime position including tougher prison sentences, support of the Governor's proposed infrastructure bank, and opposition to the Mount Laurel doctrine of the New Jersey Supreme Court.

[8] Down the stretch, the Republican campaign turned negative, attacking Orechio in personal terms while trying to establish Salerno's credentials for office.

Among the issues cited was Orechio's control of the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission, which his brother Carl, a former Republican Assemblyman, chaired at a salary of $6,000 per year.

[8] Orechio called the attacks on his brothers "sleazy" and disclaimed any role in their work, noting that appointments were made by the Governor.

[9] Given the Democratic lean of the district and a potential match-up with James W. Roe, Republican leaders feared a lingering split in the party could lead to a loss in November.

[9] Bubba campaigned on a claim that he had single-handedly blocked efforts by Governor Kean for a 5-cent per gallon gas tax in 1982.