ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS HERALD
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BODY POLITIC by Jack Archibald, Atlantic Highlands Councilman

Contact Jack Archibald jack@ahherald.com View archive

2005 RACES AROUND THE CORNER \

Even though the campaign season just ended, it’s never too early to start speculating on upcoming races. Although it won’t be a presidential election year, New Jersey will have enough intrigue to keep political junkies excited. For starters, the State Assembly will be up for election, and the Governor’s chair is open as well.

Locally, the guessing game has begun. After ousting State Senator John Bennett in the 12th District last year, Democrats are looking to knock off Republican Assemblymen Joe Azzolina and Sam Thompson in the 13th District. Traditionally, these two seats have been solidly Republican, but Azzolina, who squeaked by in his last election in 2003, is a target. Speculation abounds that the Monmouth County GOP may deny the party line to Assemblyman Azzolina because of his staunch support for the Town Center, and if that happens, the race in the 13th District will dominate the news.

For Freeholder, the Democrats are already beating the bushes for a candidate. Over the past three years, Jeff Pringle of Tinton Falls has been their candidate, but given the outcome of the last election, it was probably his last campaign. The county turned out solidly for the Republicans, and the opportunity to snag a Freeholder seat may have passed by the county Democrats.

The race for Governor is already under way, and Dick Codey has got to fish or cut bait if he wants to make his title anything more than interim. Senator Jon Corzine has all but decided to run on the Democrat side and no fewer than five Republicans are seeking the GOP nomination. Corzine and Codey are in the midst of some elephant waltz, with each side sizing the other up, while at the same time trying to keep the party united.

The Republican race for Governor should be a pretty good show. Doug Forrestor has pledged his millions for a race, former Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler is itching for another try, and State Senator Diane Allen is in the midst of deciding her future. Also declared are State Senator Paul DeGateno and Robert Schroeder, while US District Attorney Chris Christie appears waiting to be drafted by the party. The jockeying for position has begun and there is a full card ahead for New Jersey racing aficionados