Getting in front of the 2012 contest early, former Edison Mayor Jun Choi today announced his challenge of U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-7).

"I'm running for Congress because we need to revitalize New Jersey and America's middle class," said Choi, a Democrat. "The success we've had in revitalizing Edison will serve as a blueprint for America - more jobs, more fiscal discipline, and an innovative public education system to build the workforce of tomorrow.

"I'm honored to receive the support of so many community leaders and will work as hard as I can to bring a better future for New Jersey in the 21st century."

Choi lost his 2009 re-election mayoral bid to Mayor Toni Ricigliano in a Democratic Primary.

A 2008 Democratic Primary supporter of Preisident Barack Obama's, Choi attended Tuesday night's fundraiser for Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo and could be observed huddling with Newark Mayor Cory Booker and other power brokers. He already has the endorsement of Assemblyman Peter Barnes (D-Edison).

"We have to get started early," Choi told PolitickerNJ.com, referring to fundraising. In a redistricting year, the candidate acknowledged he could face obstacles if commission members rearrange sprawling Edison, half of which falls within the 7th, but the former mayor said in terms of organization he has no choice but to go now.

A successful 2008 candidate for Congress after serving in the state Senate, Lance last year easily defeated challenger Ed Potosnak, whose campaign account remains active.

Potosnak allies today received an email blast that U.S. Rep. Barney Frank plans to come to New Jersey on June 18 at 7:30 p.m. "for an evening in support of Ed Potosnak’s 2012 Campaign for United States Congress."

"We welcome both Jun Choi and Ed Potosnak into what seems to be a growing Democratic primary field for Congress," said Todd Mithcell, Lance's chief of staff. "After years of failed economic policies of previous Democratic Majorities in Congress that have led to record unemployment and unsustainable levels of spending, debt and deficits, Leonard Lance's record of fiscal conservatism is best-suited to bring job creation and economic prosperity to New Jersey."