2014 NJ U.S. Senate race

[dudeabides]

So, clearly, here in NJ, Mayor of Newark Cory Booker is the most likely person to serve in the U.S. Senate after the 2014 election. Booker, a center-left democrat, is considered to be a rising star in politics - he's not too liberal but also appeals to the base, can also appeal to independents and some republicans, and he's been a good Mayor of Newark. Booker also is quite articulate and smart. Congressman Frank Pallone, State Assembly Speaker Shelia Oliver, and Senate President Stephen Sweeney are also possible democratic candidates. My guess is Pallone runs, Oliver runs, but Sweeney stays out of the race. Pallone lacks the energy of Booker, Oliver lacks the name recognition. I think Booker wins over 60% of the primary vote. On the GOP side, I do not believe Geraldo Rivera actually runs, I believe State Senator Michael Doherty, a libertarian republican, will be the only candidate to run in the GOP primary with a chance of winning that primary. I believe Booker will win by a landslide; probably 65% to 35%.

Thoughts?

[RogueBeaver]

Completely agree. Were I an NJ voter I'd vote for Booker in the GE despite hypothetical me being a Pub.

[publicunofficial]

I think Pallone is smart enough to know that he doesn't stand a chance against Booker in a primary, and will stick with his safe house seat.

Other than that, I agree.

[Sol]

Of course, If Lautenburg's health continues to decline, this could change very rapidly.