July 1, 2008 - 10:29am
Is this Kyrillos' last term?
By Wally Edge
Category: LocalTags: Joseph Kyrillos, Christopher Christie, Amy Handlin, JENNIFER BECK, Ellen Karcher, Michael Panter
If Joseph Kyrillos doesn’t get picked to run for Lt. Governor in 2009, he’s likely to retire from the State Senate in 2011, according to a Monmouth GOP leader with knowledge of Kyrillos’ plans. The six-term State Senator is actively seeking the LG nod, hoping to run on a ticket with his friend, U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie.
Assemblywoman Amy Handlin would be the front runner to succeed Kyrillos in the Senate -- though not at all automatic on the GOP side -- if the 13th district seat remains intact after redistricting. If the seat is open, mapmakers could move State Sen. Jennifer Beck into District 13; her hometown, Red Bank, borders on the 13th. That could boost the chances for Democrats to recapture the 12th district, where former State Sen. Ellen Karcher and former Assemblyman Michael Panter are mulling comebacks.
Kyrillos, 48, has served in the Legislature since 1987, and declined opportunities to run for statewide office several times, including earlier this year when Republicans were actively shopping for a U.S. Senate candidate. A former GOP State Chairman, Kyrillos unsuccessfully challenged Rep. Frank Pallone in 1992.
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Great Public Servant
It would be sad to see Sen. Kyrillos leave the NJ Senate. He has been a trememdous voice of reason in an all to often sea of confusion in Trenton. There is no doubt that he would make a great Lt. Governor, but if that were not to happen I hope that he remains in the Senate.
nonsense...
What a bunch of complete nonsense. Anyone who knows Kyrillos knows he is not actively seeking any L.G. nod, and in all likelihood is doing nothing more than advising his friend who may be a candidate.
Joe's a great Senator who always wins big, and I can see him running for re-election in 2011 and waltzing in. I highly doubt any so-called "Monmouth GOP leader" has any special knowledge of Joe's plans.
why is he leaving?
he's incredibly young for a GOP Senator. Does he have something better to do?
Who cares
A Republican that has coasted for nearly a decade now will be retiring...