Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy just called the election for

.

"If there is anything I can do to help him out after the transition, I stand ready, willing, and able to do it," Healy said.

His comments drew cheers from a tearful crowd at his Oakland Avenue headquarters. The crowd chanted back "We love you, mayor."

"Thank you all and God bless you all, by the way, I am still going to Casino in the Park," the mayor said, referring to the Jersey City catering house where a celebration was planned.

When he called the race the screen in the front of the room read, "Fulop 52.1 percent of the vote (14,675 votes), while Healy tallied 38.6 percent (10,860 votes.)

After he conceded, Healy walked outside and hugged supporters and apologized for not having won.

He noted to The Jersey Journal that he'd been mayor for 8 1/2 years and a councilman at large for 3 1/2 years.

He said the campaign worked very hard and raised enough money to be competitive.

"I think the people of Jersey City get sick of you after a while," Healy said. "I guess I'll check to see if my law license is still in good standing."

The mayor walked away with his police chief, Tom Comey.