 Republican Robert McLeod, a retired municipal prosecutor and municipal judge and former Keyport borough councilman, ran against Pallone, who was re-elected with about two-thirds of the vote.Congressman Leonard Lance defeated state Assembly Woman Linda Stender in a long fought race for the highly competitive seat.Leonard Lance announced his plans to continue to "fight for the republican party I have come to know" and stating that he has suggested an update to the Republican Party.