Cory Booker

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson in Newark: Obama campaign photo

The Obama campaign organized two big events over the weekend, including a Friday fundraising party in Middletown with the Democratic presidential candidate, that netted his campaign $4.1 million in one night, according to party fundraiser Al DeCotiis.

"The tremendous enthusiasm and support of Jon Corzine helped make this the most successful fundraising event ever," said DeCotiis, who along with fellow former Clinton fundraisers Bill Harla, Michael Kempner, and John Graham, organized the Obama event with the governor.

New Jersey rocker Jon Bon Jovi sponsored the bash at his home.

A day later, Gov. Bill Richardson stumped for Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) at the Flamboyan Manor in Newark's North Ward, making the Democratic Party’s case for an end to the Iraq War.

Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer: Politicker file photo

DENVER - The name of Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer often appears on people’s short lists for lieutenant governor in 2009.

Palmer doesn’t have a problem with that.

"I’m thinking about it," he told PoltiickerNJ.com, regarding attempting to land an under-card position on a ticket with Gov. Jon Corzine.

South Ward Councilman Oscar James II (center) confers with Booker staffers Terrance Bankston and Bari Mattes.: Politicker photo 

DENVER - A core member of the Booker Team, South Ward Councilman Oscar James II exulted in the speech delivered last night by Michelle Obama, even as he noted the persistent gloom of some Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) supporters in the New Jersey delegation.

"It makes me a little nervous because we have to be united," said James.

Widely hailed as a homerun by the New Jersey delegation, the speech by the wife of the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee did not go too heavy on family values to the detriment of hard, urban issues, in James’s view.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker with audience member Meena Harris of San Francisco.: Politicker photo 

DENVER - No one ever said Newark wouldn’t be tough.

But despite the Brick City ground wars juxtaposed with the lure of a more glamorous national platform, Mayor Cory Booker insists he intends "unequivocally" to pursue a second term as Newark’s chief executive come 2010 - and with the same cast who now comprise the Newark City Council.

"Write it down, unequivocally," says the mayor, seated in the back of Baurs bar in downtown Denver after participating in a Time-Warner panel on the candidacy of Sen. Barack Obama (D-Il.).

He even waved off the Hanoi helicopter scenario, should a President Barack Obama attempt to airlift his New Jersey campaign co-chair from New Jersey into a cabinet or ceremonial appointment.

What if Obama offered him a job as head of Housing and Urban Development, or ambassador to the Court of St. James, or national drug czar?

Michelle Obama addresses the opening session of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver: Getty Images Photo

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• Codey and Roberts come out swinging with 'us' versus 'them' battle cry
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• For Torres, the streets of Paterson lead to Denver
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• Tom Byrne is not sitting on a $1 million campaign account for nothing
• Frank Lautenberg introduces his son to the delegation
• Pounding the 'One America' theme on day one
• Shulman makes the rounds in Denver
• In a crowded Passaic field, Morales says she has fire in the belly
• Report: Springsteen and Bon Jovi to perform at Obama speech
• Gusciora: 2004 couldn't have been this good
• Other states take note: New Jersey rules
• Vega doesn't want to go back to the legislature, but isn't happy with Rodriguez
• Rothman seeks to appease Clinton supporters
• Corzine speaking out to get Menendez a chance at the podium
• Florio talks up Biden, weighs in on Andrews replacement
• If it's not to be Rone, mayor prefers a woman replacement in Central Ward
• It was 20 years - and 18 points ago
• Primary hurt still lingers in Obamaland

DENVER -- Newark Mayor Cory Booker took the podium at the delegates’ breakfast this morning with a chip on his shoulder. 

“I flew in a couple days ago and I’ve been jousted with and made fun of by mayors all across America who do not respect New Jersey.  So allow me for a moment to talk about our state,” Booker told the crowd.

That inspired him to read a speech reinforcing New Jersey pride that turned out to be the highlight of the morning. 

Booker started by recounting the revolutionary war, when New Jersey minutemen came to George Washington’s aide to turn the tide at the Battle of Trenton.  He went on to talk about New Jersey citizens’ achievements in subsequent wars, up until the latest huge mobilization of reserve soldiers. 

Newark Council President Mildred Crump with Brendan Gill, campaign manager for Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-Cliffside Park): Politicker photo 

DENVER - The Rone drama drones on even though it’s Denver and not Newark.

Mayor Cory Booker, who today is scheduled to speak at the Black Caucus Town Hall at the convention center, says he would prefer a woman representative in the Central Ward.

His first choice is ousted Councilwoman Dana Rone, whom an assignment judge released from her elected duties last month after concluding that the councilwoman’s punishment for using her office to obstruct justice merited being barred for life from public office.

Rone remains in appeals mode. Meanwhile, support for former Central Ward Councilman Charles Bell - vanquished by the Booker Team in 2006 - grows, according to Newark sources.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker at the Denver Art Museum on Sunday afternoon.: Politicker photo 

DENVER - Newark Mayor Cory Booker strode up the walkway outside the Bilbao-fangled Denver Art Museum with the state capitol agleam over his shoulder, and the Rocky Mountains behind that rising over the old cross-section of Broadway and Colfax avenues.

"Love Denver," he said on his second day in the city. "Been here many times."

"That’s Cory Booker, mayor of Newark," cried a Denverite, who later said he was originally from Paterson. "Great mayor! Up and comer!"

Moments later, Booker was at a microphone, speaking to a gaggle of press in advance of a forum on education sponsored by the national reform group, Ed Challenge for Change.

"I am honored to stand with a chorus whose voices are lifted in a song of freedom, justice and change," cried Booker, as an urban group of mayors and educators including D.C. Mayor (and Booker ally) Adrian Fenty, New York Schools Superintendent Joel Klein, the Rev. Al Sharpton, and others clapped and cheered.

NEWARK - Former Councilman Charles Bell is generating considerable support in the Central Ward as Newarkers continue to jockey for position in the event that former Councilwoman Dana Rone loses her appeals and does not return to the governing body.

"I did pick up the petitions and I had more than enough as of last night's gathering," Bell told PolitickerNJ.com. "I am running, yes, but at the same time, I'm hoping Miss. Rone is successful in her appeals. That would solve my problems, but if she is not successful I am prepared."

In the community room of the New Hope Baptist Church on Tuesday night, Bell received the blessing of Central Ward Democratic Committee Chairman Dwight Brown.

The Obama Campaign today confirmed that Pablo Fonseca will serve as the campaign's political director in New Jersey.

A political veteran from Newark's North Ward, Fonseca serves as  chief of staff for Newark Mayor Cory Booker, co-chair of the Obama presidential campaign in New Jersey.

"Pablo brings an understanding of the New Jersey political landscape which will be essential to victory in November," said Andrew Poag communications director for Obama.