Jersey Joe, next gov?

MUSCLEMAN

Schwarzenegger landed in California’s Statehouse, wrestler Jesse Ventura in Minnesota’s Statehouse, coal executive Jim Justice in West Virginia’s Statehouse. We had actor Ronald Reagan in the Oval Office. Funnyman Al Franken became a senator, and businessman Donald Trump a president.

McGreevey ankled Jersey’s governorship after a sexgate, Christie’s ankling Jersey’s governorship after a bridgegate. So shut the showbiz gate and govern New Jersey, thought Joe Piscopo. Maybe nobody else thought that but the star of “Piscopo’s video” did. So he’s running. Or at least walking toward Trenton.

“I did radio in college. I’m good at talking. I’m on radio daily. So this is a fun thing to do,” he said. “I’m ready to talk issues. I’m a people person. A political junkie. Like the world’s major Democratic bastion New York is now home to a Republican president, why not Jersey Joe for governor?

“I’m talking to people, touring the state, going into the streets, learning issues like fixing the roads, saving state taxes, doing local TV, assisting Newark on the comeback. Politicians are helping me.

“I’m an Independent. A lifelong Democrat who’ll go in as a Republican because the Democrats are all taken. I haven’t debated yet or officially announced yet. We’ll see in a couple of months.

“I have a huge following and wonderful friends. Chris Christie, who’s great, I know for years.”

So how’s Joe fixed for dough?

“I talk now to the lower level. See the movements of the people. Look into their eyes. Can I afford it? [He’s done beer commercials and a film he made premiered at Hoboken’s film festival.] Unlike Donald, I’ll put my business interests aside.

“I’m starting to raise money. They say — it’s embarrassing — I need $30 million.

“This is a mission, not an ego trip. I love the state. I’m spokesman for the Boys & Girls Club in New Jersey. I go into the streets. I’m pumped. Fired up. My mother says, ‘Go for it.’ My kids are onboard.”

Ho ho ho . . . Go, Joe.