The second congressional Election for the third most senior member of the House of Representatives, in a rematch, now Rep. Chris Smith's Win over 26 year incumbent Frank Thompson Jr. was one of the Reagan Revolutions longest lasting successes.
Initially not being seen as the favorite to win this Trenton Based District due to the smith's loss the previous cycle, House Administration Committee Chairman Thompson's Conviction in the Abscam Bribary scandal gave smith the Opening to upset the Longtime incumbent.
Furthermore despite the Republicans shinking of replacing Smith on the ticket with candidate's seen as more electable(Source), Reagan's winin the district (Reagan: 47%, Carter 44%, Anderson 8%) helped bring Smith into the seat he has held for over 40 years.
Looking at Smith's Primary win showcases the importance of the line in NJ Pol, as despite sweeping Middlesex, Mercer, & Burlington Counties, Smith was landlided in Monmouth county due to the line.