Newark Mayor Cory Booker (D.) reiterated his desire to explore the possibility of running for senate in New Jersey Sunday on "Meet the Press," but hedged when asked if he would consider a primary challenge against incumbent Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D., N.J.):
DAVID GREGORY: Sen. Lautenberg called you self-absorbed and disrespectful.
CORY BOOKER: One of his spokespersons did.
GREGORY: One of his spokespersons did, excuse me. The idea you have not worked out with Sen. Lautenberg what his plans are, any missteps in terms of that?
BOOKER: No, again, this is really early. We have reached out to him--even had a trip down here to speak with him but he wasn't able to speak. Right now the senator, who I support, needs to focus on the debt ceiling, he needs to focus on funding for Sandy. I have two very good senators in the senate, we are going to support that. This campaign is over a year away. You know, New Jersey has to focus on a governor's race and legislative race. But, for me to do a good exploration and due diligence for running I have to file--
GREGORY: But you're not ruling out challenging?
BOOKER: I'm not ruling out anything right now but it's premature to be speculative.