The Jersey Journal is reporting that the New Jersey State Police has begun a background check on State Senator and Bayonne Mayor Joseph Doria, who has been rumored as a possible candidate for Commissioner of Community Affairs. Doria's name has been in the mix for the DCA post since Susan Bass Levin left to become Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
If Doria is getting the job, don't expect him to resign as Mayor before September 13 — he would like to avoid a November 2007 special election, giving his ally, veteran City Council President Vincent Lo Re, more time to increase his popularity in a possible campaign against Doria rival Anthony Chiappone, a City Councilman who is likely to return to the State Assembly in January. Nicholas Chiaravallotti, a former aide to U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, could also emerge as a candidate for Mayor.
