Willis Edwards

Mayor Robert Bowser: Politicker photo 

Having already spread the word unofficially that he plans to pursue a fourth term in 2009, East Orange Mayor Robert Bowser tonight told PolitickerNJ.com that he's certain.

"100% sure," said Bowser, who emceed tonight's Essex County Democratic Committe party in Short Hills. "Make that 105% sure."

At the beginning of the summer, the three-term mayor and engineer by profession who has spear-headed East Orange's redevelopment, said he was about 70% certain he's running for re-election.

Word had started leaking out last spring that Bowser intended to go for a fourth term, but a potential opening as Essex County Democratic Committee chairman kept Bowser hedging for several weeks.

East Orange Mayor Robert Bowser says he’s 70% certain he will East Orange Mayor Robert L. Bowserpursue a fourth term in next year’s election.

“It’s early, but there are still a lot of things we need to do here,” said Bowser, who has led the redevelopment of his Essex County city over the past 11 years.

Former Assemblyman Willis Edwards - an ally of East Orange Democratic Party leader Leroy Jones - has expressed an interest in taking on the 74-year old incumbent.

“I saw that,” said Bowser, referring to news of the potential challenge. The mayor doesn’t seem concerned.

EAST ORANGE - Former Assemblyman Willis Edwards intends to run for mayor of East Orange next year, he told PolitickerNJ.com.

"I would bet my house on it, although I have made no formal announcement at this time," said Edwards, an executive with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and adjunct professor at William Paterson University.

For 12 years, Mayor Robert Bowser, 74, has served as chief executive of this Essex County city, population 74,000.

Edwards, who is in his late 30's, said he appreciates Bowser's leadership and notes with pride the resurgence of the 3.9-square mile city under the leadership of the long-serving mayor.