Republicans are lamenting a likely missed opportunity for this election season.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Bell
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Bell (Bell 2014)
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It's been forever since a Republican held a U.S. Senate seat from New Jersey, and it appears they have let another chance slip away.

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) has extended his lead over challenger, Jeff Bell, and appears headed for an easy election night victory.

Just a few weeks back, Bell was within 10 points of the incumbent, Booker.

But, his campaign has featured one mistake after another, never giving voters a strong reason to vote for him.

Instead, Bell will join a long list of also-ran Republicans who came up short.

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