Former Senator Bob Torricelli (D-NJ) appeared this morning on MSNBC with Stephanie Ruhle, and while he has been on the show before, his presence inevitably creates political intrigue.

In the wake of a hung jury trial last year, Torricelli said he would not run against U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ).

Democratic Party establishment backing for Menendez remains strong, with the federal government-beset federal lawmaker enjoying the alliances of multiple key party organizations that smother the potential for a serious Democratic Party challenger.

Critically, Governor Phil Murphy is emphatic in his support.

Menendez’s allies are confident. The feds failed once to lay a glove on him, and will again.

But if the senior senator stumbles, Torricelli – financially well-connected and hungry for a redemptive return – appears to be positioned to run statewide.

Whatever happens, he will not oppose a candidate supported by Murphy, sources tell InsiderNJ.