Sheila Oliver May Be Considering US Senate Run

With Frank Lautenberg announcing that he will not seek re-election in 2014, it may not only be Newark Mayor Cory Booker jumping into the 2014 U.S. Senate race.

Assembly Speaker Shelia Oliver at the Statehouse, while praising Lautenberg following his announcement, declared herself to be "well prepared" to make a run of her own while taking a shot at Booker who has already announced his interest in the seat.

"It has nothing to do with how many Twitter followers you have and it has nothing to do with how many Facebook friends you have," she told the Star Ledger. "Mayor Booker will have to compete for the support of the citizens of New Jersey."

Booker announced his intention to run for the seat held by the 89-year-old in December but pulled back when Lautenberg and anonymous staffers made critical comments about Booker and how he was proceeding. Democrats also made quiet comments about Booker, who they were anticipating to enter the race for Governor against Chris Christie.

Booker has not made comment about his intentions since Lautenberg announced he would not seek re-election in 2014. He did praise Lautenberg for being a "strong model of leadership" for him since entering office. Booker said Lautenberg has championed New Jersey for decades and helped Newark "endure difficult days."

Said Oliver of her own intentions, "I have a firm grasp of the temperature and pulse of the citizens of the state and I will be exploring whether or not that is something I want to pursue," said Oliver according to the Star Ledger.  "I think that I will be well prepared to launch a campaign for the U.S. Senate."

Sixth Congressional district Congressman Frank Pallone (D) is also said to have interest in the seat.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.