When powerful state Senator Brian P. Stack backed Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer’s reelection, sources ho-hummed the rest of the season, noting the dominance of the LD33 senator in those cities that comprise his district, Hoboken among them.

But with Zimmer out, and the Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO) leaning heavily in the direction of the as-yet-unannounced Freeholder Anthony “Stick” Romano for mayor, sources wonder where Stack will go.

Romano is said to be reaching out to Stack for an endorsement.

So are the allies of Hoboken Councilman Ravi Bhalla, who will have the support of the departing Zimmer.

So is Councilman Mike DeFusco. whose allies are convinced they have the best shot at corralling the Union City power broker. Bhalla ran for the assembly against Stack’s slate, and Stack generally doesn’t like to chase state Senator Nick Sacco (D-32) on endorsements, especially when it comes to a city in his own district.

HCDO sources are trying to create an air of inevitability around Romano, and will make a hard play to put the entire political establishment on a stage behind him. A poll is circulating that shows Romano in a good position. But if DeFusco can make a strong case to Stack and present a pathway to victory, might the senator gamble with him?

The senator notoriously avoids high maintenance mayors and assembly people. allies who go off the reservation generally stay off the reservation – permanently. In one sense, Romano represents arguably the most predictable of the top tier candidates. But a source close to DeFusco welcomed the chance to shine high beams on the veteran freeholder. Who possesses what information, who appears least likely to give the senator a headache, and what the polling shows will ultimately conspire to make Stack take the most politically educated stand in the new dynamics developing contest.