New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney conceded this week after losing in the general election to barely-known Republican challenger, Edward Durr. The shocking loss has attracted national attention and signals major change for the state.

During his concession speech, the powerful south Jersey Democrat blamed a "red wave" for his defeat. But WNYC's Nancy Solomon says this may have also been a self-inflicted wound. She says the campaign paid the price for its tepid support of Gov. Phil Murphy.

Speaking with Weekend Edition host David Furst, she says that in Sweeney's district, "There was virtually no get out the vote campaign. There were no lawn signs, no robocalls, no door knocking."