Follow us on Twitter @PolliticsToday for more insight, commentary and updates concerning this blog or “LIKE” us on Facebook. To get alerts on our newest articles, sign up for our alert system. Seriously, do those things; we could use more followers and support!
Well, who is shocked? But its official, the winner of the Democratic primary in New Jersey to fill out the unexpired term of the late Frank Lautenberg is Newark Mayor Cory Booker.
Booker, the charismatic Mayor who has charmed the pants off many for his various stunts and highly active Twitter feed, is expected to trounce Republican opponent, former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan. Booker’s candidacy has received some criticism from progressives (including yours truly) but he is clearly to the left of Lonegan who is nothing short of a conservative firebrand.
Attention will turn to the general election which will be at the end of October but really, we will see what Booker does after he is sworn into office. Will we see him on TV a lot? Probably as I can imagine David Gregory has a seat warm for him on Meet the Press but will we see him trek to Iowa and New Hampshire?
Will he be a mainstream Democrat on many issues? Definitely. Could he infuriate progressives from time-to-time? Possibly. But I will be voting for Mr. Booker come October, as New Jersey needs the most progressive voice it can get; given its blue hue, any of the three major candidates (not including Sheila Oliver) would be the overwhelming favorite in a general. Still Booker should be a good voice on LGBT issues and I expect him to go all-in on raising the minimum wage as he needs something to run on nationally.
I enjoyed supporting Rush Holt this year by the way, I’m glad I was able to do my best in trying to get him exposed to as many people as possible.
Appointed Sen. Jeffrey Chiesa did not run to fulfill the entirety of the term.
