As the Prieto and Coughlin forces slug at each other behind the scenes, Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick (R-21) told InsiderNJ that he has his own party pool hall squabbles to sort out before allowing himself to get dragged into a Democratic Party brawl.

“I have no intention of getting into a Democratic fight,” Bramnick said. “If there is a fight, I’m not involved. I’m not involved in internal Democratic Party politics.  My guess is this is related to who becomes the senate president.”

Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3) earlier this month released a chest thumper noting the support he has in his caucus toward another term on the throne. Part of that support includes the Middlesex delegation, who want to elevate their county colleague Assemblyman Craig Coughlin (D-19).

Coughlin’s allies have been harvesting the names of allies they say will stand with the Woodbridge lawmaker to overthrow sitting Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-32). The number of Coughlin committeds hovers at just under 30, with others wobbling and taking or ignoring phone calls for full commitment.