August 11, 2008 - 10:40pm
News

Mayor Bowser definitely running again in East Orange

Mayor Robert Bowser: Politicker photoMayor Robert Bowser: Politicker photo 

Having already spread the word unofficially that he plans to pursue a fourth term in 2009, East Orange Mayor Robert Bowser tonight told PolitickerNJ.com that he's certain.

"100% sure," said Bowser, who emceed tonight's Essex County Democratic Committe party in Short Hills. "Make that 105% sure."

At the beginning of the summer, the three-term mayor and engineer by profession who has spear-headed East Orange's redevelopment, said he was about 70% certain he's running for re-election.

Word had started leaking out last spring that Bowser intended to go for a fourth term, but a potential opening as Essex County Democratic Committee chairman kept Bowser hedging for several weeks.

East Orange sources say Bowser might have foregone a fourth term had he been able to muster sufficient backing to succeed Phil Thigpen as party chairman.

But Thigpen, who hails from Bowser's home town, proved the only player in a field of rival prospects who had a friendly contact in every piece of Essex County's political territory.

In East Orange, apparently lining up on the other side on a message of youth and change, former assemblyman Willis Edwards has been building for a potential challenge to the popular Bowser.

Max Pizarro is a PolitickerNJ.com Reporter and can be reached via email at max@politicsnj.com.

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