"I mention this only briefly, fasten your seatbelt, I mentioned this only briefly to my wife... but I am and I’ve been in touch with some people in the Republican Party in New Jersey. I am truly contemplating running for Senate against Frank Lautenberg or Cory Booker.”
Monmouth University already has polling results out. In gracefully subtle language, they say, "New Jersey voters do not seem to be keen on the idea."
How "not keen"?
Just 26% say they are very or somewhat likely to vote for Rivera if he decides to run.
On the other hand, 65% say they would not be likely to vote for him. In fact, going further, an actual majority of those polled (51%) say they would not even consider voting for Rivera at all.
As the poll notes, "Even among GOP voters, just 44% say they would be at least somewhat likely to vote for Rivera while 48% would be unlikely."
You may now unfasten your seatbelt. And can lower your chair from its upright position. The captain has turned off the No Smoking sign, and you can roam around the cabin.
As for Mr. Rivera, the best advice is perhaps the most classic. Don't quit your day job.