TRENTON, N.J. – Comedian and New Jersey native Joe Piscopo (search) says he's being urged to make a run for the Statehouse in the wake of Gov. James E. McGreevey's (search) resignation and acknowledgment of a sex scandal.
The actor and one-time "Saturday Night Live" (search) star, who describes himself as a lifelong Democrat with working-class roots, said in a televised interview on Friday that "young, very concerned New Jersey citizens" suggested the idea to him.
Speaking from Orlando, Fla., Piscopo, 53, declined to identify those who approached him, saying they wished to remain "in the background."
Nine days ago, McGreevey stunned the nation with his announcement that he is gay, and said he had an extramarital affair with another man, whom sources in his administration identified as a former aide.
The aide, Golan Cipel (search), disputes that and maintains he was sexually harassed by the governor, a claim McGreevey's staff denies.
Amid his disclosure, McGreevey announced his resignation, effective Nov. 15, touching off a tug-of-war between the suddenly lame-duck governor and factions on both sides of the political divide who demanded he step down immediately so a special election could be held to replace him.
Because of state Constitution requirements, such an election would only be conducted if McGreevey steps down by Sept. 3.
McGreevey's staff says the governor is adamant about remaining on the job until Nov. 15.
"I don't mind him on a personal level hanging in until November, because he's got to do what he's got to do," said Piscopo, who counts McGreevey among his friends.
Piscopo made no reference to whether he would run in the 2005 gubernatorial race.
A telephone message left by The Associated Press with Garden State Entertainment, a contact agency listed on Piscopo's Web site, was not immediately returned.
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