There’s a big problem though: scandal-stained Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and his long history of outrageous corruption.

Democrats could have ditched this turkey for virtually any other person in the state and cruised to victory. Instead, top Democrats like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) protected and enabled him.

Polling is now nearly tied between Menendez and his Republican challenger Bob Hugin. Some 59 percent of New Jersey voters say Menendez’s corruption scandal is “extremely important” or “significant” in their vote. It’s an object lesson in the political dangers of letting moral rot slide.