Jesse Ventura was a wrestling star before entering politics

The Independence for New Jersey group is guided by Doug Friedline, a former campaign advisor to heavyweight wrestler turned Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura.

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

But this was before actually finding if Springsteen was interested in running as a candidate.

Working class hero

It is not yet known whether the group will give up their quest toget the star nominated.

"It took us seven months to get Jesse Ventura to run," said Mr Friedline said.

Springsteen was chosen because he is a New Jersey native, famous as a working class hero who rose from blue-collar beginnings in the town Freehold.

The 52-year-old now lives in the wealthy community of Rumson, New Jersey.

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.