Buono To Step Down As NJ Senate Majority Leader

The first woman to hold the position of majority leader in the New Jersey Senate won't seek a second term in the post.

Sen. Barbara Buono of Middlesex County has written her colleagues that she will step aside rather than share power with a co-leader.

Sen. Loretta Weinberg of Bergen County is a likely successor.

Buono told The Associated Press she could not accept Senate President Steve Sweeney's offer of a weakened role.

The Democrat just won re-election to the Senate and will remain a lawmaker.

Buono's name is often mentioned as a possible opponent to Gov. Chris Christie in 2013.

Democrats in the New Jersey Senate and Assembly are meeting Thursday to decide who will lead them for the next two years.