West Ward Councilman Ronald C. Rice delivered a fiery speech to backers last night at the Spot in Newark where sentiment turned into pre-campaign slogan.

“It’s time,” was the Rice mantra.

Son of state Sen. Ronald L. Rice (D-28), the councilman is exploring a run against veteran incumbent U.S. Rep. Donald Payne (D-10).

He challenged the crowd – which numbered about 50 people at $175 per head – to help him raise $100,000 in the month of February.

In part based on that effort, Rice will decide if he will challenge Payne in the June Democratic Primary.

"It was clear by the showing in the room, the theme of change is alive and well in the 10th - the yearning for new energy and leadership was evident,” said Michael Makarski, exploratory committee senior advisor.