TRENTON – Hatred. Real hatred.

This is not simply a difference of opinion.

The division in the Democratic caucus runs deep.

It’s a house divided, years of resentment and shifting alliances pouring into the room as they huddle behind the scenes now and either stick up for a dug in Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-32) or try to stick a fork in him.

Those opposed to Prieto voiced the argument that the speaker needs to cut a deal with Gov. Chris Christie on Horizon or risk handing a win to the Republican governor on lottery in exchange for getting Democratic budget priorities – including school funding – chain-sawed.

“What the hell kind of trade is that?” squirmed Prieto’s opposition, which includes the basic scaffolding of South Jersey and Middlesex Democrats with a few Essex people thrown in to pad the cause.

Prieto doesn’t have the budget votes he needs at this moment, and his foes will work with him if he just works with them on Horizon.

“Get a better deal, Vinny. Speaker – get a better deal from the governor he will remove every Democratic priority in the budge and school funding. The budget’s more consequential. No theatrics.” The problem, they say, is that Prieto can get a deal on Horizon – better than the Vitale – if he tries to negotiate – yet he’s refusing on principle.

“Principle.” The source dripped with disdain at the mention of the word.

Prieto – and numerous groups, including public sector labor, media outlets and business advocates, hate the Horizon bill, and the speaker said he won’t post it or negotiate on it as sources here expect a long day.

And a long weekend.