Paulsboro Mayor/Assemblyman John Burzichelli

PAULSBORO - Mantua Creek hugs the northern border of this blue collar river town where in years past, the locals say, you either worked for Essex Chemical, DuPont, Mobile or BP, companies that once had a toehold on this 190-acre sandy stretch - vacant now on the Delaware side with the dockworks rusting as the tankers drift by with the seagulls, and the Mantua empties.

"I worked here as an electrician," said Donald Norcross, gazing at the dunes as top-to-bottom dignitaries, labor leaders, workers, and politicians tottered down steps, disgorged mini buses and crowded the area around a makeshift stage where shovels stood at attention in a packed mound of sand with the river and the distant outline of Philadelphia in the background.

Tired of watching the tankers pass on their way to Philly, South Jersey wants to bring this place back as a working port, which will economically impact this area long-term - a projected 2,500 jobs onsite, 20,000 jobs in the region; and short-term, gin up 3rd District votes - 46,845 Democrats against 27,372 Republicans with 59,000 undeclareds, for a polls-harried Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine, who's losing a dogfight with Republican challenger Chris Christie, according to the latest numbers from Quinnipiac University.

PAULSBORO - Even as he praised Gov. Jon Corzine at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new South Jersey port, Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney (D-West Deptford) signaled that he is indeed embroiled in an intra-party leadership fight, as he lashed out at his rival, Senate President Richard Codey (D-Roseland), calling Codey's effort to get him to sign a 2007 letter agreeing not to challenge him "crazy."

"You're kidding me, I said, 'you can't be serious about this,'" Sweeney recalled of his reaction to a request Codey made moments after Sweeney emerged from the caucus room, having secured the senate majority leadership position in a head-to-head with state Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-Wood-Ridge).

Anticipating a power play from his political enemy - and Sweeney ally, South Jersey Democratic Party leader George Norcross III, Codey wanted Sweeney to write and sign a letter promising that he would not challenge Codey for the senate presidency.

Sweeney said he was taken aback.

State Sen. Brian P. Stack (D-Union City) campaigns this summer with Gov. Jon Corzine

State Sen. Brian P. Stack (D-Union City) today issued his endorsement of South Jersey state Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney (D-West Deptford) to serve as senate president.  

“I am confident in Senator Sweeney’s ability to lead the Senate, as we prepare to address matters that are critical to the residents of New Jersey," Stack said in a statement.

“Senator Sweeney has demonstrated both strong leadership and sound judgment during his tenure as Democratic Majority Leader, and I am certain that he will make an outstanding Senate President as he continues to fight for the families of our State. His prominent record as a labor leader conveys his understanding of the needs of New Jerseyans at a time when it is particularly important for working families to have their interests represented in the Statehouse."

Assemblyman Michael Doherty (R-Washington Twp.)

Forty-six days until election day, state Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney (D-West Deptford) and state Senate candidate Assemblyman Michael Doherty (R-Washington Twp.) are dug in with their respective gubernatorial candidates. Doherty attended a Warren County Christie campaign headquarters the other night, and Sweeney welcomes Gov. Jon Corzine to South Jersey on Tuesday.

"This race is the economy," said Doherty, a supporter of Republican challenger Chris Christie, and a heavy favorite to win his general election contest on Nov. 3rd.

"The people of New Jersey are going to decide whether they are better off now than four years ago," argued Doherty. "This is a governor who sold himself as a businessman who was going to work to improve the business climate. He has failed utterly in that regard. If you could pick a spot anywhere in the world to have thriving economy, you'd say this is pretty good spot. We have ports, we're right between Philadelphia and New York, in an area that should be great for jobs, with tremendous resources. But the economy here is lagging so far behind neighboring states, it's embarrassing - and painful."

North Bergen Mayor/state Sen. Nicholas Sacco

NORTH BERGEN - State Sen./North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco was blunt this afternoon in giving his two-word answer to the question, "Who do you  support for Senate President?"

"Dick Codey," said Sacco.

Hosting his annual picnic for seniors at Scheutzen Park on John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Sacco declared his staunch backing of Senate President Richard Codey (D-Roseland), who after the gubernatorial election will likely face a challenge for leadership from Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney (D-West Deptford).

NEWARK - Stumping today for Gov. Jon Corzine, state Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Newark) said that's where she plans to concentrate her political energies.

"I want to focus on re-electing Gov. Corzine," Ruiz told PolitickerNJ.com when asked who she supports in another potential contest, between Senate President Richard Codey and his likely Democratic caucus challenger, state Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney (D-West Deptford).

A political product of the North Ward Democratic Organization, which has close ties to George Norcross III, leader of the South Jersey Democratic Organization and a Sweeney ally, Ruiz may find herself in a pro-Sweeney package.

But Essex County sources say she should not be considered a lock for Sweeney, considering hers - and Codey's - Essex County roots. 

SWEENEY HONORED BY AGUDATH ISRAEL OF NEW JERSEY AT 2ND ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST

SOMERSET – On Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney was honored by the members of Agudath Israel of New Jersey at their 2nd Annual Legislative Breakfast at the Regency Jewish Heritage Home for the Aged in Somerset.

“I appreciate the kind words from the members of Agudath Israel, and pledge to work closely with them as we address issues concerning New Jerseyans of the Jewish faith,” said Senator Sweeney, D-Thorofare. “As we know, the concerns of New Jersey’s substantial Jewish population are oftentimes the concerns of all New Jerseyans. We all have an interest in more affordable government, better services, and more cost-efficiency at all levels, and I think we can benefit by incorporating the ideas and input of people from all faiths and backgrounds as we attempt to solve these problems for all the people of the Garden State.”

Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean (R-Westfield), right, at last night's Environment New Jersey forum with, from left, Rick Dovey and Independent gubernatorial candidate Chris Daggett.

WESTFIELD - When the Senate reconvenes on the first Tuesday after the first Monday to choose a state Senate President, Republicans will line up as a block of 17 votes, says state Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr. (R-Westfield).

"Our number one focus is getting Chris Christie across the finish line in the governor's race and getting (Assembly Minority Leader) Alex DeCroce (R-Parsippany) elected speaker of the Assembly," said Kean. "The other discussions will take place later."

Kean wouldn't say whether he supports Senate President Richard Codey (D-Roseland) or challenger state Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney (D-West Deptford).

But "seventeen Republicans will be united," the senate minority leader affirmed.

Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester)

Sources say the announcement by Speaker Joe Roberts (D-Camden) today that he intends to retire at the end of the year creates the opening his South Jersey colleague, Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester), needs to make his move in the upper house.

Standing in Sweeney's way is Senate President Richard Codey (D-Roseland) of North Jersey, who doesn't intend to back down in the face of the ambitious majority leader who begins his leadership quest with six solid votes in the South Jersey political constellation. 

Sweeney today kept the focus on the re-election of incumbent Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine. 

"What I'm doing right now is helping him get re-elected," said the senator. "The other considerations come after the big election - the most important election."