Though it had been rumoured for some time, State Senator John Adler made his official announcement yesterday:
"Last November, the American people sent a clear message to Washington that we want a change in direction in Iraq and here at home," Adler said. "Unfortunately our congressman, Jim Saxton, refuses to listen. It's time for a change."
After 12 terms in the United States Congress, Jim Saxton's seat has been targeted for a Democratic pick-up. Though Saxton defeated his 2006 challenger by a wide margin, his increasing support of the Bush agenda has weakened him, and the DCCC thinks we can take him:
"We believe that Jim Saxton is very vulnerable," said DCCC spokeswoman Carrie James. "He no longer represents the families in his district that he’s out of touch with the families in his district and is continuing down the same old stay the course road in Iraq with President Bush."
The DCCC has also targeted Saxton for his SCHIP vote with a series of radio ads. His Iraq War votes are going to hurt him, too:
Adler has had his eye on national office for a long while. He opened his US Senate account in 2003, and had been considering a run for Frank Lautenberg's seat in the event of Mr. Lautenberg's retirement.
Mr. Adler is Chairman of the State Senate's Judiciary Committee, and may have the clout to bring the big bucks needed to unseat this popular incumbent. He faces a Republican challenger for his State Senate seat in November, but does not need to resign his seat to run against Saxton next year.
John Adler's website does not yet have any information on his campaign, but we should all keep our eyes peeled for a chance to help bring home this important pick-up opportunity.
UPDATE:
Adam B supplied this link in the comments section for John Adler's post on Blue Jersey yesterday. Thanks, Adam B!