In self-preservation mode and running out of options with Assemblyman Craig Coughlin (D-19) in pursuit of those seats in designated battleground districts, Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-32) is putting everything into LD39, in hopes of displacing Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi (R-39) and/or Assemblyman Bob Auth (R-39), according to a Democratic Party source.

“He’s asking his remaining base to max out and cutting budgets in other safe areas,” the soruce told InsiderNJ.

The source said the Republicans appear primed from top to bottom to defend against the attempted incursion, noting that Schepisi and company are actively raising money and confirmed that they are confident of hitting the reject button on Prieto and his choice candidates.

“He is taking checks they ordinarily get and intercepting them and handing them over to them and saying redistribute to 39,” the source said.

Prieto wants to pick off at least one and with that win make the case to a wobbly Essex delegation to go with him over Coughlin, but the source noted that the Middlesex assemblyman’s allies figure to pick up a seat in LD16 and at least one but probably both in LD11, “so it’s a wash.”