WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Phil Murphy once again dominated the retail game aboard the chamber train, his vanquished rivals found themselves in commiserating proximity at the Wardman bar.

InsiderNJ caught a glimpse of Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3) stalwart Kevin Hagan of Princeton Public Affairs, amiably jawing with Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and Fulop COS Mark Albiez.

Murphy unhorsed both Sweeney and Fulop in pre-primary backroom jousting.

A source told InsiderNJ that earlier this evening he observed Fulop and Sweeney talking to each other like a pair of world weary war pals.