Senator Frank Lautenberg won re-election to a fifth, non-consecutive term, defeating former Republican congressman Dick Zimmer, who was also the nominee for this seat in 1996.

"The poll shows that Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who many voters say is too old to run for another term, would be vulnerable to a strong Republican candidate next year," according to Quinnipiac pollster Clay Richards.

[3] The first poll conducted after the primaries (Rasmussen Reports, June 4, 2008) showed a tighter than expected race between Lautenberg and Zimmer, with the two candidates in a virtual tie.

Voter anger was targeted against the GOP, and many Democrats once considered vulnerable managed to hold on.

Official results, New Jersey Division of Elections (PDF, July 11, 2008) On October 29, 2008, a debate between Lautenberg and Zimmer was held on the radio station NJ 101.5.