For Sen. X, D-N.J., the Line Forms To the Left

Here's a shocker: Something ridiculous is going on in New Jersey politics.

"A perfect New Jersey political drama," says former senator Robert Torricelli, a veteran of a few of these himself.

It began earlier this month when New Jersey's Democratic senator, Jon Corzine, was elected governor. That post was vacated by James McGreevey, who resigned last year after disclosing that he'd had an adulterous gay relationship with his former homeland security adviser.

Corzine defeated Republican Douglas Forrester Nov. 8 -- despite the efforts of Corzine's ex-wife, who supported Forrester -- and gets to pick his Senate replacement. Nearly every Democratic congressman in the state wants the job and -- surprise -- most of them aren't shy.

Corzine is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks, and whomever he picks will likely seek reelection next year, probably against Republican Thomas Kean Jr., son of the former governor. Corzine's would-be successors have given the governor-elect little time to savor his victory.

"It was embarrassing for Democrats," says David Rebovich, a professor at Rider University, speaking of the elaborate suck-up campaign that commenced almost immediately among Corzine's hopeful successors. "It certainly took some of the luster off Corzine's win."

Six of New Jersey's seven Democratic congressmen are said to crave the Senate seat. Rep. Steve Rothman is New Jersey's only House Democrat to publicly demur (he has endorsed Rep. Bob Menendez).

Not that there's anything undesirable about serving in the minority of the so-called lower chamber, but:

"I think they see this as a ticket out of their torture chamber," says Rutgers political scientist Ross Baker.

Reps. Robert Andrews, Frank Pallone and Menendez have been most vocal in their escape efforts and started their pitches before Corzine was even elected governor -- holding news conferences, touting endorsements, giving speeches and essentially treating the contest like any other statewide campaign.

"I've been at this since last December," says Pallone, who says he spends "a good part of every day talking to Democratic leaders" in New Jersey about the Senate job.

This would seem odd given that there is exactly one vote that matters. "I operate under the assumption that Jon will talk to all of these people before he makes a decision," Pallone says. "And maybe they can put in a good word for me."