NJ Pols Plant Seeds For Governor At DNC

ESSINGTON, PA (CBS) - This week's Democratic National Convention in town was more than just a dog and pony, or in this case, donkey show.

It provided politicians across the country the opportunity to plant the seeds for future campaigns. Such was the case within the New Jersey delegation.

There are no less than five potential candidates for Governor next year, and each spent their time working the crowd, in their own, unique fashion.

State Senate President Steve Sweeney, from Gloucester County, decided against talking to the entire delegation, but part of his message had he done so would have focused on sooner, rather than later.

"This party is focused on moving the country forward, not backwards," Sweeney told KYW Newsradio. It should be noted Sweeney has been working for months to boost his name recognition in the northern part of the state."

That's where the other four hopefuls call home. North Jersey Assemblyman John Wisniewski, who got a lot of attention during a legislative probe of the Bridgegate scandal, admits he was trying to cultivate support:

"When you're in politics you always plan for the future."

State Senator Ray Lesniak was low key in his approach. The only event he sponsored was an animal rights fundraiser in Philadelphia. That, he suggests, was by design:

"I'm more policy oriented than glitz and glamour. I believe that's what the people want."

He has championed a number of issues over the years, the latest being an effort to legalize sports betting at Atlantic City casinos and racetracks in the state.

Not all of those seeking to replace Governor Chris Christie work under the Golden Dome in Trenton. Take Steve Fulop (pictured above), the Mayor of Jersey City, who told delegates he's proud of what he's done to turn that city around:

"We are leading the state of New Jersey from every single economic metrix there is."

Perhaps the least known of the group is Phil Murphy, who served in the Obama Administration as US Ambassador to Germany, until he announced his candidacy for Governor earlier this year.

"I believe, like so many of us, deeply in service, where personal ambition must give way to the common good," Murphy told convention delegates this week.

Murphy is pumping several million dollars of his own money into his campaign.

This race won't get serious until after the November election. After that, though, things could get interesting.