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Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono (left) is interviewed alongside her cousin, Jimmy Buono, at his deli in Little Falls today.

(Brent Johnson/The Star-Ledger)

LITTLE FALLS — Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Barbara Buono blasted former Gov. Tom Kean today for remarks he made in a Star-Ledger column in which he called Buono "a nice lady" but an unqualified candidate for governor.

Buono, a state senator from Middlesex County challenging Gov. Chris Christie in next week's election, said the comments smacked of sexism that is common in New Jersey politics.

"For years, the political class in New Jersey — made up mostly of males — have had no problem with casually just dismissing and marginalizing women when they want to get involved in and contribute to the political process here," Buono said during a campaign stop in Little Falls. "Over the years, it's become discredited, but I can tell you that it's gone into the backrooms now. And former Gov. Kean's comments underscore that it's still a prevalent attitude."

Kean made the comments during a teleconference for the "Byrne & Kean: A Dialogue" column with former Gov. Brendan Byrne.

In response to a question about The Star-Ledger editorial board's endorsement of Christie despite disliking much of what he has done, both ex-governors mentioned Buono.

Byrne, a Democrat, said "Buono has put up a valuable campaign, but she is, frankly, not a strong candidate."

Kean, a Republican, responded that "it isn't the contest."

"Barbara Buono is a nice lady, but not a strong candidate and not qualified to be governor," he said. "People understand that."

Kean has not yet returned messages seeking comment.

"That kind of an attitude is outdated," Buono said today. "It is an anachronism. And it does a disservice not just to me. I think it does a disservice to every single woman who wants to enter politics, who is thinking about breaking the barriers that exist in New Jersey."

"It saddens me that he would even say that," she added.

Buono, 60, has served in the state Legislature for 20 years. She was the first woman in the state to both serve as Senate Majority Leader and chair of the Senate budget committee.

Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Barbara Buono on the campaign trail on Monday 11 Gallery: Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Barbara Buono on the campaign trail on Monday

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