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Maryanne Connelly was parked outside a doughnut shop recently when passers-by noticed the special municipal license plates on her car.
"That must be the mayor's wife," one speculated.
Connelly opted not to correct them, although it would have taken just four words: "I am the mayor."
Even in a state with a female governor, women in politics have not shed the burden of being a novelty. As Connelly, the mayor of Fanwood, and Theresa de Leon, a resident of Jersey City, run for Congress this fall, they are seeking to join an exclusive group of women who have represented New Jersey in Washington.
They hardly see eye to eye. Connelly, a Democrat, is pro-choice; De Leon, a Republican, opposes abortion except if the mother's life is at risk. Connelly favors a 12-year limit for House members, while De Leon pledges to serve a maximum of six years if elected. De Leon supports school vouchers, which Connelly...