Hornik Publicly Endorses Buono for Governor

Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik (D) said he believes State Senator Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex) is the best person to run New Jersey.

Buono threw her hat into the ring this year to run against Gov. Chris Christie, who is running for a second term.

Amid speculation that Newark Mayor Cory Booker, Senate President Steve Sweeney or Senator Dick Codey would join the race, Buono filed her intent to run in December.

Booker announced his candidacy for U.S. Senator, vying for longtime Sen. Frank Lautenberg's seat. Buono currently remains the lone Democratic challenger.

Christie spend much of 2012 touting the slogan "New Jersey Comeback," pointing to economic growth in the state. Hornik said he isn't buying it, saying one in 10 New Jersey residents are jobless.

“There is no comeback when one in 10 is left behind. I know Senator Buono is prepared to make job creation her first priority," Hornik said.

Hornik also pointed to Buono's feelings on gun control and safety in schools, an issue .

“Senator Buono and I also share the same concern for protecting all of our residents, but in particular our children from gun violence. I applaud her call for a special session of the Legislature to pass common-sense gun safety laws.”