Senate President Steve Sweeney has confirmed a report that he will not run for Governor.

Senate President Steve Sweeney
Senate President Steve Sweeney (D) (YouTube)
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The Democrat in an email confirms a report in PolitickerNJ.com  that he will pass on a run for the Statehouse and instead focus on keeping  his party in control of the Legislature.

"I've decided my work now needs to be focused on ensuring the Legislature remains in Democratic control. Is there any question about the havoc and pain a Republican Legislature would inflict on the middle class, labor, women, and our seniors?" asked Sweeney in his email.

Fellow Senator Barbara Buono is the only announced Democrat candidate so far for Governor. Dick Codey took himself out of the race on Friday; Sweeney has long been rumored to be looking at a run.

Buono picked up the endorsement of Ocean County Democrats on Saturday and today says she will receive a "major endorsement" during a press conference at the Trenton Marriott.

She picked up the endorsement of 9th Congressional District Representative Bill Pascrell and the chairmen of the Bergen, Hudson & Passaic county Democrat parties.

EMAIL STATEMENT FROM SENATOR STEVE SWEENEY

After careful consideration and much deliberation, I will not be a candidate for governor in 2013. I've decided my work now needs to be focused on ensuring the Legislature remains in Democratic control. Is there any question about the havoc and pain a Republican Legislature would inflict on the middle class, labor, women, and our seniors? For over a decade New Jersey voters have ensured we have a strong Democratic majority in both houses and I view it as absolutely essential and my job to keep that streak going. We will.

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