NEW JERSEY September 03, 2007 —Today marks the unofficial start of New Jersey's campaign season. All 120 seats in the state legislature are up for grabs this November. WNYC's Bob Hennelly has more.

REPORTER: Thanks to a combination of scandal, fatigue and quite a few retirements, at least 20 incumbents are stepping down, which sets the stage for almost a generational shift this election cycle. Professor David Rebovitch of Rider University says despite the new blood, the balance of power is not expected to shift much in Trenton.

REBOVITCH: Currently the Democrats have a majority in both houses and frankly, everybody expects the Democrats to hold on to the Assembly where they have a 20-seat lead. The Senate does provide an opportunity for Republicans.

REPORTER: Right now, the Senate is 23 Democrats to 17 Republicans. One new development is the unprecedented number of women running for the state house with 40 aiming for a seat in the Assembly and 15 shooting for the Senate.

REPORTER: Also this year, in 3 districts, the candidates will be publicly funded thanks to a pilot Clean Elections program. For WNYC, I'm Bob Hennelly.