Joseph Azzolina

When L. Harvey Smith returns to Trenton in January, he will join a rather obscure and exclusive club: former State Senators who become Assemblymen. Smith served in the Senate for three months in 2003 and 2004, between Joseph Charles' resignation to become a Superior Court Judge and Glenn Cunningham taking office in January 2004.

Monmouth County Freeholder Robert Clifton has decided not to challenge Assemblyman Samuel Thompson in the 2007 Republican primary, and Republicans say that the 71-year-old legislator appears to be in good shape to win re-nomination for a sixth term. Thompson is from Old Bridge in Middlesex County and there has been speculation that the Monmouth GOP might push him toward retirement.

In 2005, Thompson was the top vote-getter in a three way primary for the two 13th district Assemby seats. Amy Handlin, then a Monmouth County Freeholder, defeated longtime incumbent Joseph Azzolina by a 624 vote margin.

Democrats have still not decided if they will make a serious bid to unseat Thompson and Handlin next year. Former Assemblyman William Flynn is still mullling a run for the Legislature.

"Running on the line with Amy in Monmouth County, it would be inappropriate for me to turn around and try to bang her. And in Middlesex I'm running on the line with Joe, so it wouldn't be appropriate for me to bang him either." -- Assemblyman Samuel Thompson, during the 13th district GOP Assembly primary between incumbent Joseph Azzolina and Amy Handlin, April 27, 2005.