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Newark Mayor Booker: 'Absolutely' Considering Run For Governor, Senate

NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - Newark Mayor Cory Booker announced Sunday morning that he is strongly considering a run for governor or for the U.S. Senate.

The popular Democrat made the comments on CBS's "Face The Nation" with Bob Schieffer.

"Yeah, I absolutely am considering running for governor as well as giving other options some consideration. I'm going to be focusing on that for the next week to 10 days or so," Booker said.

Booker said he will be thoughtful in his decision, but noted he doesn't have much time to decide whether he'll challenge Gov. Chris Christie for the seat.

"It's got to be within the next two weeks, especially in New Jersey because there's a lot of very good candidates for governor in New Jersey on the Democratic side," Booker said.

The mayor said he is also looking at a possible bid for senate. He said his decision will come down not on which office he favors, but where he can best help the public, Booker told Schieffer.

"Where do I believe I can make the best difference for the city I love and the state I love and the nation that I've pledged my life to," he said.

Booker has been praised by some for his use of social media like Twitter, especially in the aftermath of superstorm Sandy where he's responded directly to constituents in need.

Republican Gov. Christie has recently enjoyed sky-high approval ratings and a majority of New Jersey voters in support of his re-election, due in part to his handling of Sandy.

Booker is currently in the middle of his week-long food stamp challenge, surviving on about $4 per day.

Would you support Mayor Booker for governor or senate? Sound off in the comments section below...

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