New Jersey Republicans really can't catch a break. Just as it had seemed like biotech executive John Crowley was on the verge of launching a campaign for the U.S. Senate — thus rescuing the state GOP from a truly odd bunch of candidates — Crowley has instead decided that he's not running.

The state Democratic machinery may be on the verge of tearing itself apart, with a potentially competitive primary race pitting 84-year old incumbent Frank Lautenberg against South Jersey Congressman Rob Andrews. But without a significant Republican in the race, this seat will stay in the safe Dem category no matter how the primary turns out.