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Democrat Assemblyman Reed Gusciora is being considered for an appointment as a Mercer County Superior Court judge, in a possible career change that would end a political career of one of the leading liberals in the Legislature.

A top Mercer County Democrat said Friday that Gov. Chris Christie wants to nominate Mr. Gusciora to the bench. Despite their political and philosophical differences, the Republican governor views Mr. Gusciora as a "good guy," the source said.

At the moment, there are four vacancies in Mercer County Superior Court. One judicial insider said two seats are Republican appointments and two are for Democrats.

Mr. Gusciora, a graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law, said Monday he would seriously consider an offer to become a judge and called it "an honor" to serve on the judiciary. He said he has not been contacted by the governor about the appointment.

A spokesman for Gov. Christie did not respond to an e-mail seeking comment Monday.

Mr. Gusciora, 54, is the deputy majority leader in the Assembly, where he has served since 1996. He represents the 15th Legislative District, which includes parts of Mercer and Hunterdon counties.

If nominated, Mr. Gusciora would have to be confirmed by the state Senate. State Sen. Nicholas Scutari, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, could not be reached for comment Monday.

Should he become a judge, his departure would open an Assembly seat. It comes with fellow Democrat and 15th-district Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman running for the U.S. House seat being vacated by the retiring Rep. Rush Holt. She is expected to win in the Democrat congressional district, an outcome that would produce a second vacancy in that district.

Mercer County Democratic Chairwoman Liz Muoio, asked about the possibility of both of them leaving, said Monday that she is focusing on the Nov.4 election.

"Ive heard all sorts of rumors about possible vacancies," she said.

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PRINCETON: Gusciora eyed for judgeship in Superior Court