Cory Booker’s next big adventure

Newark Mayor Cory Booker pins New Jersey’s Meritorious Service Medal onto the chest of 90-year-old World War II veteran Willie Wilkins at Newark City Hall. Booker, who is running for U.S. Senate, honored the veteran on the anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.   (John Moore / Getty Images)

U.S. Senate candidate Cory Booker talks with Joyce Kemp, of Fair Lawn, N.J. after a campaign speech during the run-up to the primary.   (Chris Pedota / Associated Press)

Newark Mayor Cory Booker greets diners in Englewood, N.J., while campaigning for the U.S. Senate seat held by the late Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg.   (Amy Newman / Associated Press)

A friendship with Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie adds a big item to Cory Booker’s list of advantages in the Senate race. “I think New Jersey has two politicians who are very authentic,” Booker says, when asked about the odd political pairing.   (Julio Cortez / Associated Press)

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie greets Ilene St. John in Morristown, N.J. St. John was clerk when Christie was an official in Morris County. Christie is running for reelection this fall. He scheduled the special election for the open U.S. Senate seat the month before the regular election. The timing will help him avoid a Democratic surge in the November election, increasing the odds that he’ll win the landslide reelection he wants.   (Mel Evans / Associated Press)