Cory Booker, Sure I'll Run Into A Burning Building But I'm Not Crazy Enough To Challenge Chris Christie

An incumbent with a 67% approval rating will make even the most confident politician think twice before mounting a challenge. On the other hand, Cory Booker is more than happy to give octogenarian Frank Lautenberg a shove out the door.

But there is still much work to do. And so, let there be no doubt, I will complete my full second term as mayor. As for my political future, I will explore the possibility of running for The United States Senate in 2014.

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As I explore a run for the United States Senate, I look forward to consulting with Senator Lautenberg. During my lifetime, he has been one of New Jersey’s most important leaders. It would be a privilege to continue his great legacy of service.

So I will continue my hard work as Newark’s mayor. And I believe it is in the interests of Newark that I get fully involved in New Jersey’s 2013 elections. Over the coming months my presence in New Jersey’s state election season will be felt from the Highlands in the North to Southern shore communities. No one will fight harder than me for the Democratic ticket this fall, from the top to the bottom. Newark is my city, New Jersey is my State – I intend to be of service to them both now and for the rest of my life.

Keep in mind the NJ Governor's election is 2013 (Christie's win in NJ in 09 was an early sign of coming trouble for Obama in 2010) and the Senate race won't be until 2014.

I'd post the link to the story in Buzzfeed intimating that Obama pushed Booker to run for the Senate and not against Christie as a payback for Chrisite's supposed help after Sandy but...it's likely just Buzzfeed trying to make trouble for Republicans. It became clear on Election Day, Obama didn't need any help from Christie.

I am kind of surprised that Booker is going the Senate route. He's much more of an executive type. Not sure how being a junior member of the US Senate is going to suit his temperament. But given the up or out reality for an ambitious (but not elecrotally suicidal) politician, Booker had to find somewhere to go and the Senate is as good a place as any to kill time until Christie leaves.

At least the streets of DC will be safer with a crime fighting super hero like Booker in town. Oh and if he's going to represent the whole state, he's going to need a bigger house.

posted by DrewM. at 04:12 PM

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