Republican contenders emerge for Lautenberg's seat

A potential Republican contender for New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg's (D) seat has emerged in state Assemblyman Jay Webber, who did not shut the door on a possible run.

"I'm concentrating on running for reelection in the 26th District and getting Governor Christie reelected. Let 2014 take care of itself," he told The (Bergen, N.J.,) Record, when asked about his future intentions.

Thus far, only Newark Mayor Cory Booker (D) has officially announced his interest in pursuing the seat, a decision that has frustrated New Jersey Democrats, many of whom feel he was their best shot at unseating Gov. Chris Christie (R).

But Republicans are not deterred by the fact that New Jersey has not had a GOP senator since the 1970s. Other Republican contenders for the seat include Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick of Westfield, state Sen. Joe Kyrillos of Monmouth County and Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, according to The Record.

---