The race for the Governorship of New Jersey is starting to get heated up as Democratic State Senator Barbara Buono will formally kick off her campaign for Governor on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, at the New Brunswick High School. Buono made the announcement on Jan.22, 2013.
Buono is the only democratic candidate to declare so far, as the party is in a bit of disarray trying to figure out who will run against the popular incumbent Governor Chris Christie. Buono is picking up endorsements along the way but the party leadership has not given her their backing which is more about sour grapes than it is about policy and a clear sense of direction. Backroom politics is alive and well. Former Governor and current Senator Richard Codey is toying with a run and is said to be meeting with party leaders in Washington to discuss his candidacy.
Reading the tea leaves, the national party would have a great interest in this race because defeating Christie would weaken his ability and popularity to run for president in 2016. If that sounds like I’m thinking too far ahead, don’t be fooled, you can bet they are way ahead of me.
Buono stated she will hold a rally for New Jersey’s future where she will outline her priorities as Governor: creating new jobs, strengthening our schools, and reducing the property tax burden for hardworking New Jersey families.
Buono has also received her latest endorsement who is Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Saunders, Sr., Pastor at North Stelton AME Church who stated that “as a Pastor working in New Jersey’s communities for over thirty years, I’ve seen a lot of change. Over the past four years, too many New Jersey families have not had their voices heard by Governor Christie. During his time in office, New Jerseyans have been facing the highest unemployment rate in decades. With nearly one in ten unemployed, struggling schools, and the cost of college soaring, the working and middle class need a governor who will fight for them.”
Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Saunders, Sr. is also the Chair of AMEN (Associate Ministers Economic Network) and Government Affairs advisor to the AME Churches of the State of NJ. Rev. Saunders is the most recent official to endorse Buono for Governor. He joins Assemblyman Dan Benson; the Monmouth County Democratic Party; the Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey; State Senators Bob Smith and Joe Vitale; the Middlesex County Freeholders, led by Chris Rafano; Middlesex County Democratic Organization Chair Peter Barnes; and Somerset County Democratic Chair Peg Schaffer .
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