New Jersey's U.S. Senate race will probably turn out the same as the presidential election.

Joe Kyrillos announces his candidacy for US Senate (Ilya Hemlin, Townsquare Media NJ)
Joe Kyrillos announces his candidacy for US Senate (Ilya Hemlin, Townsquare Media NJ)
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If President Obama wins re-election, Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez is almost assured of also being returned to office.

LIVE DEBATE: Bob Menendez and Joe Kyrillos debate  at New Jersey 101.5's studios on Wednesday, October 10 at 7PM.

But if Republican challenger Mitt Romney can keep it close in New Jersey, Senate challenger Joe Kyrillos  has a shot at unseating the incumbent.

Menendez spent last week courting the "47 percent" of voters Romney remarked about because they earn too little to pay federal income taxes.

Kyrillos is seeking votes from senior citizens and women, hoping to erode some of Menendez's advantage.

Federal election records show Menendez with a 5-to-1 money advantage over Kyrillos.

Each candidate has produced two TV ads, and they've agreed to three debates next month.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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