Buono Files for N.J. Governor's Race

Democratic New Jersey state Sen. Barbara Buono announced filing papers for a 2013 gubernatorial run, hitting GOP Gov. Chris Christie on "trickle-down economics," scapegoating teachers, and pushing tax cuts for millionaires in a web video released by her campaign.

Buono opens the video by talking about Hurricane Sandy, expressing pride about "the bipartisan way our state has faced this crisis," before moving on to her criticisms of the governor in other areas. Christie has received very high marks for his handling of the hurricane, and gotten a bump in the polls.

As we noted Monday, Buono has already hired David Axelrod's old firm, AKPD, for messaging. Buono will be an outsider candidate, and says in the video that "I won't be anointed by the political bosses." Another potential Democratic candidate, Stephen Sweeney, is the state Senate president.

In her announcement, Buono also touts her upbringing as the daughter of an Italian immigrant, "perspective" as a mom, and experience serving as state Senate Budget chair.

While Buono's candidacy was expected, the big question remains whether Newark Mayor Cory Booker will run -- he'd be the presumed frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. Booker indicated this weekend that his decision will come in the next two weeks.


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