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Cory Booker: I'm Exploring Senate Run

Newark mayor looks to replace fellow Dem Frank Lautenberg in 2014

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 20, 2012 10:38 AM CST

(Newser) – Cory Booker has made his decision: The popular Newark mayor will explore a run for the Senate, he announced today. "Let there be no doubt: I will complete my full second term as mayor of Newark, New Jersey," Booker says in a YouTube video and website post today. "And as for my political future, I will explore the possibility of running for the United States Senate in 2014."

Booker would be seeking to replace fellow Democrat Frank Lautenberg, NBC New York reports, and announcement puts pressure on the 88-year-old to announce he'll retire. Booker has long been expected to either make this move or run for governor, and he recently acknowledged he was considering both options. The decision is good news for Chris Christie, notes the Washington Post, who dodges a potential strong challenger.

In this Nov. 9, 2012, photo, Cory Booker greets 13-year-old Blonbzell Taylor outside of a resource center where residents impacted by Superstorm Sandy received clothing donations in Newark, NJ.
In this Nov. 9, 2012, photo, Cory Booker greets 13-year-old Blonbzell Taylor outside of a resource center where residents impacted by Superstorm Sandy received clothing donations in Newark, NJ.   (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
In this Sept. 4, 2012, photo, Newark Mayor Cory Booker addresses the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC.
In this Sept. 4, 2012, photo, Newark Mayor Cory Booker addresses the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
right2dave
Dec 21, 2012 9:35 AM CST
Ever notice that black guys look better with their heads shaved.
GeorgeL
Dec 20, 2012 6:44 PM CST
In all of U.S. history there have been only six African Americans to have served in the Senate. Hiram Revels of Mississippi became a Senator in 1870. Blanche K. Bruce of Mississippi became a Senator in 1875. (he was male, women couldn't vote in 1875) Edward Brooke of Massachusetts became a Senator in 1967. Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois became a Senator in 1993 (our only African American woman Senator). Barack Obama of Illinois became a Senator in 2005. (anyone remember him?) Roland W. Burris of Illinois became a Senator in 2008.  (named to fill the senate seat vacated by Obama). Go for it Cory Booker, I hope you win.  Our Senate should become more diverse and represent ALL of the people.
bananana
Dec 20, 2012 1:37 PM CST
I'm sure Cory "Leave private equity alone" Booker will be a real champion for the common man in the Senate.

 
New Jersey • Cory Booker • Senate race • US Senate • Frank Lautenberg • Senate candidate • Senate campaign • Election 2014

 
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