The latest from LD37:

At this moment in time, the anticipated retirement of veteran Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D-37) of Teaneck would put Assemblyman Gordon Johnson (D-37) of Englewood in the pole position for her senate seat.

Bergen County Democratic Committee Chairman Paul Juliano likes Johnson.

Done his time.

Establishment-friendly.

Took an early fancy to the speakership of Middlesex County’s Craig Coughlin, networking that extends in meaningfully, politically and otherwise.

Relationships important.

At least this morning, that put Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-37) also of Englewood – who backed the reupping of Hudson’s Vinny Prieto in 2017 over Coughlin – in a position to primary Gordon – off the line.

This was fluid this week so it could change before Weinberg went live with a announcement – expected formally at some point this week.

As of this hour, Vainieri Huttle might still be persuaded to stay on the Johnson team.

She was examining her options. Hard.

But former Englewood Cliffs Councilwoman Gloria Oh would be the establishment choice for Johnson’s Assembly seat in the event of a Weinberg departure.

Later, someone insisted no on Oh.

There was some push and pull.

As for the second seat on that team if Vainieri Huttle were to run off the line for senate in defiance of Juliano, Teaneck Democratic Committee Chair Alexandra Soriano-Taveras was a preference.

Close to Weinberg.

Her move up as a member of Team Johnson, however, would probably depended on what happens with Vainieri Huttle, as Oh occupies the favored position for a lone assembly seat.

No, another voice insisted, suggesting a Soriano-Taveras v. Oh dynamic for even the one seat in contention.

Friction.

Formerly in the mix for a seat or two, former Teaneck Mayor Mohammed Hameeduddin and Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich won’t run this year.