Cory Booker apparently isn’t scoring any points with the family of the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), who recently backed Rep. Frank Pallone in the upcoming August 13th Democratic primary to fill Lautenberg’s seat.

“Frank Pallone knows that gimmicks and celebrity status won’t get you very far in the real battles that Democrats face in the future,” members of Lautenberg’s family said in a statement. “… While it may not always attract glamorous headlines, Frank knows that to be effective you must put New Jersey and your principles first, not your own glory.”

Ouch! Booker who is considered by some as the “front-runner” in the race, angered the late Sen. Lautenberg-who felt Booker was trying to “nudge him out of his seat” in a move he considered disrespectful. While polling shows Booker with a large lead over Pallone, he will have to overcome the perception of many who feel his “glamorous headlines” and “media stunts” were less than impressive.

Pallone is a Progressive Caucus Member who has been serving New Jersey’s 6th congressional district since 1993. He has served on various subcommittee’s and has had other caucus memberships and feels he can with the primary against Booker based on his progressive congressional record. He has also called his opponents to sign “The People’s Pledge“, “ensuring outside special interests won’t dictate the outcome of the August 13th primary.”