October 30, 2006 - 12:42pm
Bateman set to challenge Kavanaugh
By Wally EdgeAssemblyman Christopher Bateman is prepared to challenge incumbent Walter Kavanaugh in the 16th district State Senate primary next year, if Kavanaugh does not retire. Several sources close to Bateman say that the decision to run for Senate in 2007 is final.
The 73-year-old Kavanaugh, who has had serious health issues in recent years, has served in the Legislature since his election to the State Assembly in 1975. He moved up to the Senate in 1997 when John Ewing retired. Bateman, 49, is the son of former Senate President (and 1977 GOP gubernatorial candidate) Raymond Bateman; he was elected to the Assembly in 1993 after serving as a Somerset County Freeholder and Township Committeeman and Mayor in Branchburg. Kip Bateman is a partner in former Governor Donald DiFrancesco's law firm.
Some insiders say Somerset County GOP Chairman Dale Florio, who has been anxious to avoid a divisive primary, will likely lean on Kavanaugh to retire gracefully.
A move by Bateman would open up an Assembly seat in this solidly Republican district for the first time in ten years. Possible candidates include Freeholder Denise Coyle, Bridgewater Mayor Patricia Flannery, and outgoing Freeholder Kenneth Scherer.
The Star-Ledger reported this weekend that Senate Minority Leader Leonard Lance faces a possible GOP primary challenge from Assemblyman Michael Doherty.
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Lance has the name recognition and the contacts in the district.
Lance has the name recognition and the contacts in the district.
But his support is much softer than people think. The Highlands legislation has really hurt him, it is his achilles' heel.
Doherty will have the NRA and Right to Life vote. It will be bloody.
Leonard should have went to the State Supreme Court, it is more of his environment. The district is much more conservative on social issues then he is.
but can Doherty raise enough money? Seems to be that Lance woul
but can Doherty raise enough money?
Seems to be that Lance would have a statewide network to repel such a challenge.
Lance doesn't raise money. He collects interest. Others in the
Lance doesn't raise money. He collects interest. Others in the statewide organization have to do all the manual labor when it comes to fundraising.
Thanks for an update Wally. I will be volunteering for Mike Dohe
Thanks for an update Wally. I will be volunteering for Mike Doherty this spring, Leonard Lance has DESTROYED the NJGOP!
There's no difference between Bateman and Kavanaugh, except Kava
There's no difference between Bateman and Kavanaugh, except Kavanaugh retired earlier than Bateman. When you think Republican in NJ, think pension protection.