TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - The Latest on New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney’s decision not to seek the Democratic nomination for governor. (all times local):
11:15 a.m.
A leading New Jersey political scientist says state Senate President Steve Sweeney’s decision not to run for the Democratic governor’s nomination effectively hands the office to fellow Democrat Phil Murphy.
Professor Brigid Harrison of Montclair State University says the move unofficially anoints the Monmouth County Democrat and former Goldman Sachs executive as the next governor.
Sweeney announced Thursday morning he would not seek the office, citing a long list of support Murphy has lined up from Democratic officials around the state.
Harrison says no other candidate from either party has the money to match what Murphy is likely to spend on the campaign.
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9:45 a.m.
New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney is not running for governor.
In a statement released Thursday, Sweeney said he will not seek the Democratic nomination in 2017.
Sweeney says it is no secret he seriously considered running. But he says “it has become clear Phil Murphy has been able to secure substantial support from Democratic and community leaders” that will make his bid “all but impossible.”
Sweeney says he’ll seek re-election to his state Senate seat.
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