Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono  has garnered another endorsement from a county party organization.

Barbara Buono
State Senator Barbara Buono announces her candidacy for Governor (YouTube)
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Ocean County Democrats announced their support for Buono during a party meeting Saturday in Toms River as they denounced incumbent Chris Christie as a "failure."

“Governor Christie has been a failure for New Jersey, plain and simple. Under his watch, New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the nation and the fourth worst unemployment rate. That’s failure," said County Chairman Wyatt Earp. "As a former Budget chair, Barbara Buono has the experience to turn New Jersey’s economy around, while protecting investments we need in education and infrastructure. New Jersey, it’s time to fix our economy and rebuild."

Earp also noted the history that could be made by electing Buono. "“We have the opportunity to elect the first Democratic woman governor in the history of New Jersey."

Buono has also been endorsed by the Democratic Party organizations in Somerset and Monmouth counties, while top Democrats in Middlesex County have pledged their support ahead of their upcoming party meeting. She also has the support of Sussex County Democratic Chairman Mike Busche.

Buono, who lives in Metuchen, is the only Democrat in the race so far. If she wins her party's nomination, she would face incumbent Republican Chris Christie in November.

Senator Dick Codey announced Friday he would not run for Governor this time out.

Early polls show that any Democrat is likely to struggle against Christie, who has received widespread praise for his leadership during and after Superstorm Sandy.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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