Some Democrats say Chris Morris is the top candidate for Camden County Clerk

The decision to replace John Adler in the State Senate with Jim Beach will mean that Gov. Jon Corzine will need to appoint a new Camden County Clerk.  The presumption is that Corzine will make his appointment after hearing a recommendation from George Norcross, the South Jersey Democratic leader.  The State Senate must confirm the appointment, but that process is likely to be a simple formality.

Norcross could pick the person he wants to run in a November 2009 special election for the post, or -- as he's done before -- simply go with a caretaker who would be Acting County Clerk until the election results are certified.

There is some speculation that the leading candidate to replace Beach is Christopher Morris, a Berlin Councilman and former Deputy County Clerk.  Morris has served as Camden County's Director of Buildings and Grounds, and is currently a project manager for the Camden County Improvement Authority.  Less likely, though possible, candidates to become the new County Clerk are former Assemblyman David Mayer and Camden County Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez.

One outside the box idea for South Jersey Democrats, proposed by a party leader from outside the Norcross region: give the job to Gwendolyn Faison, the octogenarian Mayor of Camden.  That would open the more important mayoral post up to a member of the Democratic organization, and avoid a competitive contest in May, when Faison is expected to seek re-election.