From NPR News in Washington, I am Jack Speer.New Jersey governor Chris Christie has won a second term in office,the Republican defeating Democratic Barbara Buono.NPR's Joel Rose has more.Chris Christie cruise to an ease victory.Christie was popular even before Hurricane Sandy,but his approving rating soared in the wake of storm as he helped lead New Jersey's recovery.Christie is thought to be positioning himself to run for president in 2016 as a moderate alternative to the more conservative wing of the GOPand his reelection should do nothing to discourage those ambitions.Christie's opponent Democratic State Senator Barbara Buono tried to persuade voters thatshe was more interested in governing New Jersey than seeking national officebut she was never able to compete with Christie's name recognition or superior fund raising.Joel Rose, NPR News.The Virginian governor's races turning out to be a lot more interesting than someone believed might be the case.This point is no call yet in the raceputting Democratic Party insider Terry McAuliffe against Republican Tea Party favored Ken Cuccinelli.Records amounts of money floating into McAuliffe's campaignwould spite that race appears to be far tighter than many expected.Cuccinelli has focused on attacking President Obama's signature healthcare law.Meanwhile polls are close in this hour in New York Citywhere new mayor has been elected, replacing long time office holder Michael Bloomberg.Illinois is about to become the 15th state to legalize same sex marriageafter both chambers of states legislature passed a bill to allow same sex couples to marriage.NPR's David Schaper reportsIllinois governor has vowed the measure he would be signing into the law.
