Republican state Senator Joe Kyrillos was unsuccessful in his bid to unseat incumbent Democrat Bob Menendez in the U-S Senate race in New Jersey.

Kyrillos says the lack of statewide name recognition was a factor in his defeat.

 “We always knew we were the underdogs.  Although we raised $5 million, we were significantly outfunded. It’s made me a bigger fan of campaign finance reform.”

Kyrillos says the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy  had an impact on his campaign.

 “I needed a perfect storm to win as a Republican in a tough state like New Jersey. Unfortunately we got a very imperfect storm. A tough hurricane that not only hurt our people and devastated some but also hurt politically in the critical days when I needed it to help build a case.”

Kyrillos says he’s not sure if he’ll make another run for the U-S Senate in the future.

 “Oh I don’t know. I have no idea what I’ll do. I love New Jersey. I love our state. I love our country. So if there’s a role for me to play I’ll consider it.”