Buono Selects New Democratic Committee Chair

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono has announced her pick as chairman of the party's state committee.

Buono is endorsing Assemblyman Jason O'Donnell of Hudson County.

She announced her pick at a Friday dessert reception in Atlantic City during the Democratic State Committee's convention.

The state party chair has a large fundraising role and is also expected to unify the party ahead of elections.

Support for O'Donnell is not universal among party leaders.

The pick for state chair is generally left to the party's gubernatorial nominee but state committee members will vote formally to accept or reject Buono's choice in June.

O'Donnell met privately with Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver on Friday. He was part of a group that attempted to oust her last year.

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