Bramnick campaigning for re-election as minority leader

Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield) is shoring up support for another term as Assembly Minority Leader, if he wins re-election to his 21st district seat this year.

Bramnick had become concerned that a phantom race for the top leadership post might become real — if potential candidates exploring a bid if Bramnick loses his own seat next month find that the votes might be there even if voters re-elect him.

Several sources confirmed that a Bramnick aide called Republican legislators to get commitments of support for another term for his boss.

There is no indication that any Republican legislators plan to challenge Bramnick for his leadership post.

Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco (R-Boonton), the Minority Conference Leader, had been widely viewed as the heir apparent.  Bucco is expected to move up to the Senate on October 15, filling the seat held by his late father.  He will give up his Assembly seat even if his own 25th district constituents re-elect him.

At the very least, the Conference Leader post will be up for grabs.  Potential candidates include: John DiMaio (R-Hackettstown), Ned Thompson (R-Wall) and Bramnick’s running mate, Minority Whip Nancy Munoz (R-Summit).