This could spell the end for New Jersey's century old party line.

In a rare joint statement Tuesday night, leading members from both political parties of the state legislature vowed to address New Jersey's controversial ballot design, which critics say favors party bosses and the candidates they back.

In the letter, Senate President Nick Scutari, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco and Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio acknowledged they have, quote, listened to the public debate about the ballot structure and added any changes would be best handled by the legislature, which they're prepared to do.

The statement comes just a day after a lengthy federal court hearing on a lawsuit brought by Congressman Andy Kim to abolish the line as he runs in a heated U.S. Senate primary against First Lady Tammy Murphy.

Kim claims the line gives Murphy an unfair advantage.

All four lawmakers declined our request for an interview on the specifics of their plan.

But Governor Murphy today staunchly backed using the county line on ballots, but also said he's open to the legislature, taking a stab at it.

I get why it's come into place and I get the value associated with it.

But have I been open minded from the get go to tweaks that can make this system that even better than it is?

Absolutely.

And if the legislature wants to proceed in that process, they can count on us for being good partners.