From the Newark Star-Ledger, about the moderate-liberal Democratic mayor of Newark, N.J.: "[Cory] Booker co-chaired the Democratic platform committee and will roll out the party agenda Tuesday night at the Time Warner arena in Charlotte, N.C., in his first big speech to a national audience."
The article continues: "Booker scoffs at rumors that he is lining up statewide support for a run at [New Jersey Governor Chris] Christie — a race that would capture national attention. But in an interview with The Star-Ledger, the mayor of the state’s largest city had harsh words for the state Republican Party. Normally a spokesman for bipartisanship, Booker sat behind his desk at City Hall and said Republicans are out of step with Americans, and have principles without a place in this blue state. 'I think our party will always be more attractive than the Republican Party, which in New Jersey has been stuck,' Booker said. 'How does a Republican Party in New Jersey be anti-choice — you know try to ban abortion? It’s out of line with New Jersey. How does a Republican Party be anti–environment? That’s out of line with New Jersey. How does a Republican Party be anti-gay marriage? That’s out of line with New Jersey.'"
More: "But if Booker’s comments sound like early drafts of a campaign speech, he said he isn’t leaning toward a run. At least not yet. 'People are speculating with me all the time,' Booker said when asked about talk that he was locking down supporters among county party chairs and union leaders. 'The answer that I give them is, let’s get the president re-elected and then will be the time to talk about the future. Right now, I have a significant role to play as a leader within the Obama campaign.'"
Booker Steps Into Democratic National Convention Spotlight
