In odd-numbered years, Election Day is a hodgepodge of races. But in an era when all politics is national, these low-profile elections have a lot to say about the direction of the country.
The Justice Department alleges Sen. Bob Menendez accepted gifts from a friend including flights, trips to France and the Dominican Republic, and large political contributions.
In the two states electing new governors this year, New Jersey and Virginia, once-moderate Republicans are running attack ads painting their Democratic opponents as weak on illegal immigration.
Justice Department prosecutor Peter Koski began his opening arguments with a seemingly innocuous story: "A few years ago, a man sent an email requesting a hotel room for a long weekend in Paris."
We first met Desiree Armas back in January. She graduated with honors from high school, but her home state of New Jersey doesn't allow state financial aid for students in the country illegally.
"You have bad optics and you're a bully," an agitated radio caller told the GOP governor, who's been reeling from missteps and sagging approval ratings.
Kushner Companies tried to win a 30-year tax break for the project in New Jersey. But that effort generated opposition, and now the firm run by the family of Jared Kushner is abandoning its request.