On the heels of Newark Mayor Cory Booker’s announcement that he intends to explore a 2014 U.S. Senate bid, Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo said Booker could count on his support if he chooses to run.

“Frank Lautenberg is a great senator,” DiVincenzo said of sitting U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ). “But if Cory makes that decision, there is no question I would support Cory Booker. He would do an outstanding job representing New Jersey. He would be at the top of the top 100 because as a national star he would move up very quickly. We would have Cory Booker and Bob Menendez. How can you do better than that?”

This week, PolitickerNJ.com reported that U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6) reached out to party chairs to let them know that he too is interested in a future U.S. Senate run.

DiVincenzo said he would back Booker if Booker and Pallone clashed in a primary.

“Cory and I have had a close relationship for ten years,” said the county executive. “Listen to me, Pallone is a great guy, but I put Essex County first. I love Frank Pallone, but if Cory makes a decision I’m backing Cory.”