At least one party leader from New Jersey has a clear statement regarding the political future.

“Absolutely,” Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-34), East Orange, told PolitickerNJ.com today when asked if she intends to pursue re-election as speaker at the legislative reorganization meeting in November.

“We’ve been on hiatus so the caucus has not met, but there are a few people who know that I am running,” Oliver said.

One source on the outskirts of the Democratic Party power hug of South Jersey Democratic leader George Norcross III and Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo said Oliver needs to get out from under her employment with the county run by DiVincenzo to make an argument for party independence.

But most sources say the alliances that supported her to begin with are still intact enough to preserve the seat for Oliver should she want it again.

Oliver dismissed a query about the tie to DiVincenzo.

“I have relationships with a broad number of people,” she told PolitickerNJ.com. “I don’t address a broad, perceptual issue like that.”

Asked about next year’s agenda, the speaker said, “Let’s see if Mr. Smith goes to Washington,” adding with a laugh, “I know who I’m supporting for president,” referring to President Barack Obama.