Rep. Pallone to run for Senate from N.J.

NEWARK, N.J., Dec. 10 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., jumped into the race to replace New Jersey Democrat Jon Corzine in the Senate now that Corzine is running for governor.

Pallone offered himself up as a replacement for Corzine should the state's senior senator be elected governor in 2005, the Newark (N.J.) Star-Ledger said Friday.

"I'm campaigning to be appointed," Pallone said. "It's not like there is necessarily an opening, but I believe (Corzine) is going to win."

Fellow House Democrats Bob Menendez, Rob Andrews and Steve Rothman are all also reported to be interested in replacing Corzine should he win election to the governorship. Menendez, in a statement, said that "many people know of my longstanding interest in a campaign for the United States Senate at some future point."

Corzine spokesperson Brad Woodhouse said Pallone's announcement was, "A little bit of putting the cart before the horse."