Spencer could be out as Democrats begin move against Booker
By Wally EdgeFreshman Assemblywoman Grace Spencer, a protégé of Newark Mayor Cory Booker, is suddenly #1 on the list of most vulnerable legislators for 2009. There is considerable speculation that the Essex County Democratic organization will dump Spencer and back incumbent Albert Coutinho and former Assemblyman William Payne in the Newark-based 29th district. In turn, Payne, his brother, Congressman Donald Payne, his nephew, Newark City Councilman/Essex County Freeholder Donald Payne, Jr., State Sens. Ronald Rice and Teresa Ruiz, and North Ward Democratic leader Stephen Adubato will back a challenger to Booker – possibly North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos, Jr. – for Mayor in 2010.
Booker will need to decide if saving Spencer, his former deputy campaign manager, is worth the trouble. If engages the key Democrats next spring and loses, it could weaken his standing as a candidate for re-election one year later.
Payne gave up his Assembly seat in 2007 to mount what turned out to be a quixotic independent bid for State Senate against Ruiz.
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