A potential challenger for Pallone?

by: Jason Springer

Tue Jan 26, 2010 at 10:30:00 AM EST

Two-term Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini (R-Ocean Twp.) says she might challenge U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-Long Branch), the chairman of a key House subcommittee that approved President Obama's health care plan.  

"This is all speculation.  It really is," said Angelini, who acknowledged that she has been mulling a congressional bid.

"Unfortunately I think he really has kind of lost touch with who he's representing," she said.  "I think you do see that sometimes.  These folks stay in office too long and forget where they went in to begin with."

What the State GOP gains from this is forcing Frank Pallone to spend money when he'd rather save it for a potential future statewide run, for senate," said Monmouth University pollster Patrick Murray.  "That's the benefit that you get - to bloody him up a little bit."

As for Murray's take on Angelini?

"Yes, she's a viable candidate.  But she's not going to win."