Mercer County

PolitickerNJ.com File Photo

Five-term Trenton Mayor Douglas Palmer could face a challenge in 2010 from Keith Hamilton, a longtime Mercer County Freeholder

Mercer County Freeholder Keith Hamilton met with members of his political team yesterday to tell them that he will soon form an exploratory committee to run for Mayor of Trenton in May 2010.  The incumbent, Douglas Palmer, has not yet announced his plans.

The 53-year-old Hamilton, who moved to Trenton from Hamilton Township earlier this year, was first elected Freeholder in 1995 after three years on the Hamilton school board.  He has sought to become the Democratic candidate for State Senator and Assemblyman in the 14th district, always without success.

Palmer has been mayor since 1990, when he defeated interim Mayor Carmen Armenti for the post.  He was re-elected in 2006 by a 53%-22% margin over Freeholder Tony Mack.  This year, he helped Democrats dump Mack from the Freeholder Board.

Richard McClellan, who said earlier this month that he would step down as the Mercer County Democratic Chairman, will now remain in office through the county convention next month -- at the request of County Executive Brian Hughes and other local officials.

Hopewell (July 27, 2007) –In the face of overwhelming corruption at all levels of New Jersey’s state government, Bob Martin, Republican State Senate candidate in the 15th district, announced his comprehensive anti-corruption plan today.

Hopewell (July 20, 2007) – Bob Martin, Republican State Senate candidate in New Jersey’s 15th district, announced his comprehensive anti-gang plan today. This plan comes at a critical moment for Trenton, Ewing, and their neighboring towns, as gang violence has become a primary concern for residents who have experienced its effects in recent weeks. Trenton’s homicide count is currently up 75% from this point last year, and the repeated shootings on Brenwal Avenue in Ewing have caused an exodus from that neighborhood.