Paul Reed

Over the course of the next week, brand new U.S. Senate candidate Andy Unanue will have a chance to cement his status as the Republican favorite to take on incumbent Democrat Frank Lautenberg in a marathon series of eight conventions.

Between tomorrow and next Wednesday, there are Republican county conventions coming up in Monmouth, Mercer, Ocean, Atlantic, Cumberland, Salem, Middlesex and Somerset. County committees will decide between Unanue, a businessman who's an heir to the Goya Foods fortune and the heir apparent to the campaign of former candidate Anne Estabrook, and his two Republican competitors: state Sen. Joe Pennacchio and Ramapo College finance professor Murray Sabrin.

The person who each committee picks will be awarded a coveted spot on the party line, which typically provides a boost to the candidate whose name occupies it.

But Pennacchio, not to be counted out, is focusing on winning the line in traditionally Democratic counties where he believes he can appeal to a working-class "Reagan Democrat base" in the general election - specifically Mercer and Middlesex. He already has the line in Bergen County, although that may change if Republican Chairman Rob Ortiz meets with his executive committee and opts to give the line to Unanue, a personal friend who he recruited. He's also got the line in Hunterdon, Passaic and Union counties.

Salem County Republican Chairman Paul Reed has endorsed Rudy Giuliani for President -- making him the 12th county party leader to back the former New York City Mayor for the '08 GOP nomination.

Former Salem County Freeholder Susan Bestwick, who is being recruited by Senate Republicans to run against State Sen. Steve Sweeney this year, is also backing Giuliani.

Giuliani has the backing of 12 of 21 GOP County Chairmen, while John McCain has two. Seven County Chairs remain uncommitted. 

12th County Chairman to support ex-NYC Mayor