Newark’s two senators agree that Ras Baraka should get another term as mayor of the City of Newark, but they disagree on who should serve as East Ward councilman.

In the middle of the contested Ironbound council contest, state Senator Ronald L. Rice (D-28) surfaced on Saturday night in the cross-town district of his colleague and picked a side.

Himself a former PD detective, a mic’d up Rice formally endorsed former Police Director Anthony Campos over 20-year incumbent East Ward Councilman Augusto “Augie” Amador.

“Anthony Campos is not only a friend of mine but he is a person I have worked with over the years,” said the long-serving state senator. “We know his commitment to the city. We know his commitment to the people of this city.”

Rice stood with East Ward Democratic Committee Chair Angelo DeFederico when he made the endorsement in a very closely-watched contest.

For her part, state Senator Teresa Ruiz (D-29), who represents the district that includes the Ironbound, said she firmly backs Amador.

“I am 100% with the Baraka Team and 100% with Amador,” said Ruiz.

The senator did a mailer endorsement featuring the mayor but affixing her support to the entire Baraka Team.