Barbara Buono Files To Run For Governor [VIDEO]

State Senator Barbara Buono is the first Democrat to announce a  run for Governor in 2013.

Buono made the announcement via an email and video in which she agrees with Governor Christie's theme of finishing the recovery of New Jersey from superstorm Sandy.

But she sounds familiar party themes in her announcement.  "It’s time for a leader in Trenton who will put the middle class first,  lifting our schools instead of scapegoating our teachers; protecting property taxpayers rather than pushing income tax cuts for millionaires."

She criticizes Christie for "trickle down economics" partisan policies that have put New Jersey to "47^th out of 50 states in economic growth."

Buono lacks support from Democratic leaders and suffers from little name recognition among voters statewide and says she will "stake her chances on the folks at grocery stores and train stations."

She says she "knows the struggle of New Jersey's working and middle class" and has the "perspective of a mom" and "the experience of Senate budget chair" that will serve her well as Governor. She also said she supports "marfriage equality" and Planned Parenthood.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker, the candidate most Democrats believe thas the best chance at defeating Christie, said on Sunday's Face The Nation he would make a decision about a run for Governor or the U.S. Senate seat held by Frank Lautenberg within the next two weeks.

The 59-year-old Buono lives in Metuchen with her husband and their six children. She said in her video she will make a formal announcement in early 2013.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.