Bruce Springsteen for Senate!

MOUNT LAUREL, NJ (Drafttheboss2002.com/Top40 Charts) - Sure, Bruce Springsteen was born to run. But was he born to run for office?

Political consultant Doug Friedline thinks so. He's leading a campaign to get the Boss elected as New Jersey's next U.S. senator.

A coalition calling itself "The Independence for New Jersey" launched a petition drive Tuesday to get the 800 signatures of registered voters required by June 4 to place Springsteen on the ballot.

It's not that simple though, officials said. Springsteen would have to sign on to consent to becoming a candidate. His publicist did not return a call seeking comment.

Friedline, of Brooklyn Park, Minn., managed Jesse Ventura's successful Minnesota gubernatorial campaign in 1998.

Not having talked with Springsteen, Friedline is uncertain of the 52-year-old singer's ideology, but knows this: "His record shows that if he believes in a cause, he'll get involved."

Volunteers hope Springsteen would run as an independent this fall against incumbent U.S. Sen. Robert Torricelli, a Democrat, and whichever Republican emerges from the June 4 primary. The Republican candidates are state Sen. Diane Allen, state Sen. John Matheussen and businessman Doug Forrester.