EAST RUTHERFORD - Precisely eight years ago this month, Rodney Frelinghuysen gave up his reelection bid in CD-11.

His belated exit from the race - less than five months before the June primary - had two immediate political consequences. It prompted a crowded Republican congressional primary and it certainly bolstered the chances of the leading Democratic candidate, Mikie Sherrill.

That year, 2018, proved to be a tough one for the GOP, but at the same time, Sherrill benefitted by not running against an incumbent whose family's political involvement dates back to the Revolution.

No mystery how this unfolded.

Sherrill won in 2018, was reelected three times, and is now poised to be governor.

Friday afternoon brought Sherrill and Dale Caldwell, her lieutenant governor, to the American Dream mall as part of Military Appreciation Day. More specifically, they were in the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park section.

Standing on stage amid various rides and roller coasters rumbling overhead, the state's leaders-to-be thanked a group of military vets and their families.

She said she wanted to honor people who sacrificed their time to serve their country.

Afterwards, Sherrill was asked about her political evolution from congressional challenger to governor-elect in eight years.

"I certainly could not have predicted this," she said, referring to the job she's about to take.

"And if you had even asked me a year before I ran for Congress (if) I could have predicted myself in Congress, the answer would have been no."

Sherrill then moved on to talking about the state and nation today and how she sees the "door to opportunity" closing for many.

She says that's why she ran for governor. And with affordability in mind, she reiterated plans for an executive order on "day one" freezing electric rates.

On a lighter note, Sherrill said she was offered a chance to take a ride on the "slime," but she demurred.

Officially it's the Nickelodeon Slime Streak - a roller coaster reaching 70-feet in height, over which cars travel up to 37 mph.