November 19, 2007 - 4:26pm
Morin won't seek Ferguson seat
By Max PizarroUnion County Republican Chairman Philip Morin says he won’t seek the House seat being vacated by Rep. Mike Ferguson.
"I don't see myself as a candidate for Congress in 2008," said Morin, a former Cranford mayor who is a strong backer of GOP U.S. Senate candidate Anne Evans Estabrook.
Morin said he was sorry to see Ferguson go, but strongly believes Republicans can field a solid candidate to replace him.
"I still see this as a strong Republican district," said Morin. "I think 2006 (when Ferguson nearly lost to Assemblywoman Linda Stender) was an aberration, and a message-sending vote more than anything."
The GOP chairman of Union - home to the largest concentration of votes out of the portions of four counties that make up the 7th district - says he believes union has a strong bullpen.
"The first question is, is Tom Kean interested," he said, referring to the state Senator whom the GOP just selected to serve as the Senate minority leader. "After that we have two experienced legislators in Jon Bramnick and Eric Munoz.
"The thing about the legislative team," Morin added, "is they have the ability to raise resources. Kean, of course. And then Bramnick - he has a formidable fundraising network."
Morin also said there are several strong mayors in Union County who may be interested.
In the wake of Ferguson's announcement today, "It's important for party leadership to see who the real viable candidates are and to discuss a fair process," Morin said.
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Morin couldn't get the GOP vote
Who in their right mind would even think of Morin for higher office? Phil used the unasked question to get his name in print. He can't even run the GOP county committtee.
Take it easy on Phil
Is Phil a loyal soldier of the Union County Republican machine that is holding the line against the fictional Cadillac welfare queen? I do not know. I do know that New Jersey had benefited from candor and respect for the truth in the marketplace of ideas. It is unfortunate that the movement conservatives (i.e. Karl Rove, Scooter Libby, Tom Delay, et. al.) that highjacked the GOP have now left us groping for honest debate and left the party faithful to fend for themselves. Or perhaps, apropos.
Loyal?
Wow! Phil will be lucky to be presiding over the January Convention.
Even the wimpy Worrall papers dubbed this year's Freeholder campaign a disaster. Phil ran a Sheriff's candidate that was for the abolishing of county government.
This had nothing to do with Cons and Neocons. Can you say Birchwood?