Sources tell InsiderNJ that Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean (R-21) may not have the patience to stick around much longer in Trenton, particulalry if the post-Christie political pendulum swings even farther into the Democratic column.

Watch Union County this cycle.

If Republicans go for Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli over Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, the preliminary dimensions of a deal may be visible.

Although the rumors have persisted for years, U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-7) may at last be ready for judges’ robes come 2018. If Kean and Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (R-21) opt for Ciattarelli instead of Guadagno (and radio talk show host Joe Piscopo), that might clear Ciattarelli from consideration to replace Lance.

Kean for Ciattarelli in 2017.

Then Ciattarelli for Kean come 2018.

No one is saying this is even cloes to being written in stone. But it’s possible.

Remember, Kean succceeded Lance as senate minority leader. That was almost ten years ago. It’s difficult to picture the political scion languishing on the banks of the Delaware leading a caucus of fewer members (if, at the very least, Assemblyman Troy Singleton wins a senate seat and Dems hold on in a very tough LD2).