TRENTON, N.J. -- Incumbent New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (KOR'-zyn) has won the state's Democratic gubernatorial nomination and will seek his second term in November. Corzine easily defeated three little-known competitors Tuesday in a low-key primary election. The Associated Press called the race based on an analysis of partial election results. The 62-year-old will have a tougher challenge in November. Former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie (KRIS'-tee) and former Bogota (ba-GOH'-tah) Mayor Steve Lonegan (LON'-eh-gan) are battling for the Republican nomination. Corzine is a former U.S. senator and ex-CEO at Wall Street investment firm Goldman Sachs. The wealthy Illinois native spent $40 million on his first gubernatorial campaign in 2005. He kicked off his campaign in West Orange on Tuesday night with Vice President Joe Biden. Another rally is planned Thursday with rocker Jon Bon Jovi. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below. TRENTON, N.J. (AP) _ New Jersey voters are choosing a Republican to challenge Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine in the fall. Depending on Tuesday's winner, Corzine could face a tough re-election bid come November. A series of polls has shown Corzine trailing Republican Chris Christie, a former U.S. attorney under President George W. Bush. But Christie must first thwart challenger Steve Lonegan, a former mayor of Bogota, which is about 15 miles north of Newark. GOP Assemblyman Rick Merkt has trailed both in polls. Corzine faces token opposition in the Democratic primary. Vice President Joe Biden plans to join Corzine to formally launch his re-election bid after the polls close at 8 p.m.
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