If Bruce Springsteen threw his hat in the ring and made a real serious run at this, I think you'd see thousands of volunteers coming out from all over the place

Doug Friedline

They have launched a signature drive to get the 800 signatures necessary to put Springsteen on the general election ballot.

The only fly in the ointment is that no-one has yet discussed the plan with the rock star himself.

But Mr Friedline is not deterred. "It took us seven months to get Jesse Ventura to run," he said.

Popular choice

Springsteen, known by rock fans as "The Boss" could prove a popular choice - he is a New Jersey native, famous as a working class hero who rose from blue-collar beginnings in the town Freehold.

Springsteen now lives in the wealthy community of Rumson, New Jersey.

"If Bruce Springsteen threw his hat in the ring and made a real serious run at this, I think you'd see thousands of volunteers coming out from all over the place," Mr Friedline said.

Friedline was behind Jesse Ventura's success

The group first tried to contact Springsteen back in December, but as yet they have heard nothing from him.

Independence for New Jersey claim that they want Springsteen because he is a native of New Jersey and they are dissatisfied with the usual nominees.

But cynics say the action is really sparked by a desire from Mr Ventura's supporters to set up a third party in New Jersey.

The state Senate race currently features incumbent Democrat Robert Torricelli and three Republican candidates - millionaire businessman Doug Forrester and state senators Diane Allen and John Matheussen.

The preliminary round of voting takes place on 4 June.