Governor Robert B. Meyner wanted to lead an unpledged state delegation to the convention to support him as a favorite son . Kennedy opted to allow him to do this , and therefore did not compete in New Jersey . Kennedy did so because he was confident that Meyner lacked national appeal , and thus , if convention voting went into multiple rounds , Kennedy would be able to secure the backing of New Jersey delegates after the first round
the convention
1960 Democratic National Convention
1960 United States presidential election in New Jersey