Newark, N.J. Mayor Cory Booker (D) abruptly backed out of a recent interview after being asked about criticism he’s drawn over the launch of his U.S. Senate campaign, according to a report published Saturday in The Star-Ledger of Newark.
From the Star-Ledger:
Booker initially agreed to be interviewed by POLITICO, rescheduled twice, then canceled 20 minutes after a reporter asked for comment on criticisms he had received from a prominent New Jersey Democrat about how he’s handled his campaign rollout.
The story — a tough piece that looked at the obstacles Booker has faced since announcing that he would explore a run for the seat held by Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) — also described how the charismatic mayor has responded unkindly to recent scrutiny from a number of media outlets.
Booker has taken heat ever since he revealed his intended pursuit of Lautenberg’s seat before the 89-year-old incumbent had finalized his plans, but polls overwhelmingly show him as a favorite to be the Democratic nominee in New Jersey’s Senate race next year — whether Lautenberg stays in the race or not.
