NEW YORK, NY November 09, 2006 —New Jersey's political influence in Washington may improve now that Democrats have taken the House.

REPORTER: Congressman Frank Pallone is a nine term Democratic who represents the state's central shore region. He expects to chair a sub-committee on health care.

PALLONE: We will now have oversight and investigations of Federal agencies and contracts. This is one on the reasons why the Republicans have gotten into trouble individually and some gone to jail because there was no oversight.

REPORTER: Congressman Donald Payne of Newark also has 18 years of service under his belt. He will have to choose between chairing International Affairs committee or the Education Workforce. New Jersey's 13 member delegation is split 7 to 6 for the Democrats. Collectively the Democrats have 80 years seniority.

That in turn could result in more money for a state that historically has one of the poorest rates of return on Federal tax dollars.