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Mayor Steve Fulop

(Jersey Journal file photo)

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop has come out in support of a plan floated by Senate President Stephen Sweeney to put casinos in some of the state's urban areas, including Jersey City.

Fulop and Sweeney are rumored to be eyeing the governor's mansion in 2017. They recently had a brief brawl over a state measure revamping the city's pension system that political observers believed was an opening salvo in that race.

But on the casinos issue, they agree.

"A casino in Jersey City right outside of Manhattan would be a top performer economically in the country and a huge benefit for Jersey City for job creation, entertainment, and financially,” Fulop said in a statement from his office. “It is great that the Senate and Assembly will pursue options outside of Atlantic City."

Sweeney, D-Gloucester, told the Press of Atlantic City this week that Camden, Jersey City or Newark could benefit from a casino.

Gambling revenue out of Atlantic City has fallen in recent years, but Sweeney told the Press that nongambling revenue, such as income from restaurants and stores, has grown.