Englewood, N.J., Mayor Michael Wildes (D), whose desire to one day serve in Congress is well-known, will hold a fundraiser at his home on June 29 to benefit the re-election campaign of Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.).

Wildes has billed the $500-per-head event for Lewis, a civil rights icon, as a chance for donors to “meet a legend.”

Lewis, an 11-term Member, is facing a primary challenge from businessman and minister Markel Hutchins, who has argued since entering the race that it’s time for “new blood” in the Atlanta-based district, and from state Rep. Mabel Thomas (D). The primary will take place in July, but Lewis is expected to have little trouble dispatching his challengers.

Wildes lives in the 9th district of New Jersey, which is represented by Rep. Steven Rothman (D). And although Wildes is not a candidate this year, he already has a campaign Web site and a Federal Election Commission account.

Rothman is widely expected to be interested in a statewide office one day. On his campaign Web site, Wildes writes: “I would like to serve in Congress when an opportunity presents itself. Unfortunately, I alone do not determine the timetable for that opportunity to serve. An opening may present itself sooner than expected, so I have to conclude that I must prepare for that possibility.”

— John McArdle