Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker is "exploring the possibility" of running for the U.S. Senate in 2014 rather than challenge Chris Christie in the race for governor, he announced in a statement under the heading "Finish the Work We Started" on his website today.
Here's a little of what the popular and social media-savvy politician, who recently completed a weeklong food stamp challenge to draw attention to food insecurity, had to say about the decision:
… But there is still much work to do. And so, let there be no doubt, I will complete my full second term as mayor. As for my political future, I will explore the possibility of running for The United States Senate in 2014.
… These are the hard won lessons I have learned in Newark: if you can bring people together around common ideals, if you can inspire people to see the universal truth that we are all in this together, that we need each other, that our destinies are interwoven, then great things can happen. I have seen how you can ignite in people the spirit of our ancestors; the spirit of service and sacrifice and of the dignity of hard work for families and for higher principles. When you do that great things do happen, and miracles are made manifest. This is the story of Newark's enduring spirit and the reason for our progress in recent years.
As I explore a run for the United States Senate, I look forward to consulting with Senator Lautenberg. During my lifetime, he has been one of New Jersey's most important leaders. It would be a privilege to continue his great legacy of service.
So I will continue my hard work as Newark's mayor. And I believe it is in the interests of Newark that I get fully involved in New Jersey's 2013 elections. Over the coming months my presence in New Jersey's state election season will be felt from the Highlands in the North to Southern shore communities. No one will fight harder than me for the Democratic ticket this fall, from the top to the bottom. Newark is my city, New Jersey is my State — I intend to be of service to them both now and for the rest of my years.
Read more at CoryBooker.com.