The names in the 18th District senate game if Buono runs for governor
By Max Pizarro | November 8th, 2012 - 4:35pm
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In the event that state Sen. Barbara Buono (D-18) runs for governor, she could leave behind a dogfight for her Senate seat.

Buono will declare in the coming weeks which she wants to pursue: governor or senator.

Sources say she’s likely to run for governor against incumbent Gov. Chris Christie, opening up the potential for at least three candidates to jockey to succeed her.

At the top of the establishment food chain in that regard stands Assemblyman Pat Diegnan (D-18) of South Plainfield, who’s more senior than his and Buono’s running mate, Assemblyman Peter Barnes (D-18).

A public sector attorney with solid connections in Trenton, Diegnan has the edge in some Middlesex circles but remember, the county is divided.

Another name that could emerge as a Senate hopeful is Freeholder James Polos of Highland Park, who just won re-election.

Polos has already shown a willingness to challenge the sitting leadership structure of the party. He ran against Millie Scott to succeed Joe Spicuzzo as county sheriff and distinguished himself in the narrow loss, according to Middlesex party sources.

Then there’s former Edison Mayor Jun Choi, who wants to be a U.S. Congressman but still radiates a political animal vibe and occupies a solid regional position from which to make a run.

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Quote of the Day

Quote of the day

"I'm beyond disgusted by his choice." - Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly on Paterson Councilman Anthony Davis' decision to back Gov. Chris Christie.

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Poll

What do you think of Christie walking into Paterson and landing the endorsement of Councilman Anthony Davis?
A. It just shows the governor's capacity to work with people. By the way, this election's over.
33%
B. BIG mistake. Christie just became the Steve Rothman of 2013. Why go into that hornet's nest??
17%
C. Meaningless theatrics.
50%

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