Most of New Jersey's House Transportation Committee members are running in "safe" districts. However, upsets could occur in the future if Rep. Bill Pascrell, a leader in finding Federal funds for transit projects, chooses to run for governor next year, or if Representative Bob Franks, now the head of the House rail subcommittee, moves to the Senate. But on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), NJ faces a great loss, with candidates showing varied approaches and interest on transportation issues.

Among Democratic Senate candidates, Jim Florio has a proven transportation and environmental record, along with plenty of political skills, having won significant battles as the congressman from Camden County. Early on in his primary campaign, he clearly indicated to Senator Dick Gephardt his desire to serve on the EPW committee. Jon Corzine is harder to read. He has said little to indicate his positions on the environment and transportation and it is unclear whether his investment business background would lead him to pursue different committee assignments or interests.

For Republicans, Rep. Bob Franks has focused attention on the state's need for more mass transit capacity into Manhattan. He has also managed to gain some measure of respect for the Raritan Valley RR line, which runs through his district. State Senator Bill Gormley is known as "Senator Sprawl" in Trenton for his determination to fight off even minor references to the State Plan in any bill or regulation, as well as his protection of development interests in his south Jersey turf, including the $330 million Atlantic City tunnel. Libertarian Murray Sabrin would pursue a "motorists' rights" agenda and has made extreme statements against the new auto emissions test. Underdog Essex County Executive Jim Treffinger has shown leadership in his county's involvement with the NJTPA and recently pushed to designate an area close to the right-of-way of the controversial and environmentally destructive Eisenhower Parkway extension as a national wildlife refuge.

No matter who wins, Senator Frank Lautenberg's transportation knowledge, budgetary know-how and mass transit/clean air focus will be hard to replace. What NJ will need from its Senators is able political presence on the EPW Committee, one able to stave off the raids on Federal transportation funding that other states will undoubtedly mount.