The Republican Mayor of Franklin – Brian Levine – is the first to throw his hat in the ring to challenge 17th District Democratic State Senator Bob Smith of Piscataway this fall.  Levine made the announcement Monday morning at the Somerset Diner on Easton Avenue.  He believes he has a good chance to win because in Franklin, he’s worked with a mostly- or all-Democratic council, and had success despite being a Republican, out-registered in the township party-wise by a 3-to-1 margin.  Levine says he’s hands-on, and has a very good rapport with his constituents.  "I think that's what brings people to vote for me," says Levine.  "They cross over because they feel I'm someone who will listen, who will do something.  They can have confidence in me."  Levine also is a CPA, and believes his experience in that field would help him in Trenton, in a time of budget cuts and belt-tightening.