One more indication that U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone is extraordinarily serious about running for the United States Senate: he has hired veteran Democratic spokesman Richard McGrath as his new Communications Director. McGrath, who has held the same position for two U.S. Senators, has worked five statewide campaigns and has spent the last seven years at the New Jersey Democratic State Committee. McGrath isn't moving to Washington to work for a policy wonk Congressman unless another statewide race is on the horizon.
The twelve-term Congressman from Monmouth County has $3.5 million cash on hand – the largest war chest of any New Jersey federal official. Pallone is eyeing the seat of Frank Lautenberg, who will be 90-years-old when his current Senate term is up in 2014.
Pallone has also signed a contract with Message & Media, one of the top Democratic political consulting firms in New Jersey. That could put Steve DeMicco and Brad Lawrence on Team Pallone the next time a Senate seat comes up.
