[Jean S]

Lautenberg now the leading candidate as Pallone changes his mind

Former Sen. Frank Lautenberg will likely be the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, Democratic sources said shortly after 5 PM.. The 78-year-old Lautenberg could become the third candidate in less than 24 hours after a bizarre and startling turn of events.

Earlier this afternoon, Rep. Frank Pallone told Gov. James E. McGreevey that he would accept the Democratic nomination, but an hour later, he backed out of the race. Sources say that changed his mind at the urging -- or insistence -- of his wife, Sarah.

Lautenberg is en route to Trenton now, with an announcement by McGreevey expected soon.

[11th Earl of Mar]

Earlier this afternoon, Rep. Frank Pallone told Gov. James E. McGreevey that he would accept the Democratic nomination, but an hour later, he backed out of the race. Sources say that changed his mind at the urging -- or insistence -- of his wife, Sarah.

I don't believe it. I smell a Hillary.

[mountainfolk]

At 78 yrs. sounds like Lautenberg is an interim pick. Once the senate seat is pinned down he can re-retire and another RAT put in his place. The question I have about this whole situation is why NJ democrat voters would be so offended by Toricelli's behavior but not by the manipulation of the law to install another RAT. They can have a writein for whomever the party instructs and if the dems are right it will be a shoo in for them.

[KC_Conspirator]

78 years old! My lord are these people a joke! I guess most other democrats don't want to waste their time and now have to get a guy out of friggin retirement!

[concerned about politics]

Earlier this afternoon, Rep. Frank Pallone told Gov. James E. McGreevey that he would accept the Democratic nomination, but an hour later, he backed out of the race. Sources say that changed his mind at the urging -- or insistence -- of his wife, Sarah.

That's probably because this has become a dirty laundry election - dirty - stolen - and all Democrats know it. Once this legal battle goes national, the whole country will see the new canidate as a crook, at least those with any common sence at all. The filth of the election will follow him where ever he goes.

[hobbes1]

However, ABC News has learned that because of unresolved family issues, Pallone may be backing out of the race.
Sources say that changed his mind at the urging -- or insistence -- of his wife, Sarah.

Not entirely accurate. He has a John Kerry problem. His Money, is really Hers.....That is why they got to Lautenberg, he can write his own check for whatever the necessary amount......