Eric Beck, a South Brunswick small business owner and former state director of the Concord Coalition, today announced his candidacy for United States Congress in New Jersey’s newly formed 12th District.

“As our nation continues to face daunting fiscal problems and a struggling economy, professional politicians like Rush Holt are still trying to tell us that we can spend our way to prosperity," said the candidate.  "The truth is that higher taxes and more debt are not the answer. Rush Holt is simply out of touch with the moderate voters in this District and does not seem to understand how big government hinders job creation.

“I will bring the same principled, fiscally conservative approach to government as I have always brought to my business career. As an entrepreneur and small business owner, I haven’t just talked about balancing budgets and spending within your means – I’ve done it. It is that experience that I want to put to work for the 12th District families who are struggling to make ends meet in this economy.”

Beck's announcement came hours after 2010 GOP challenger Scott Sipprelle announced his decision not to run this year. 

“Rush Holt’s record in Congress has consistently demonstrated his belief in bigger government and higher taxes," said Beck, 53. "He was even ranked the most liberal member of Congress by the National Journal. He is simply out of touch with the needs of middle class families and I am excited and energized to present this contrast to the residents of the 12th District.”

A small business owner and entrepreneur from the Dayton section of South Brunswick, Beck runs a risk management consultancy specializing in business continuity management. 

He previously worked for other major corporate consultancies, such as Deloitte & Touch LLP.

As a community activist, Beck served as the New Jersey State Director for the Concord Coalition, a grassroots organization co-founded by former U.S. Senators Warren Rudman (R-NH) and the late Paul Tsongas (D-MA). As State Director, Eric was responsible for grassroots organizational development and the delivery of training programs in partnership with both elected representatives and private organizations to educate the public about the adverse affects of continued deficit spending. 

 A resident of Middlesex County for 52 years, he is married with two grown children.  His son, who is a Sergeant in the US Army Reserves, recently returned from a year long deployment to the Middle East.

The new 12th Congressional District comprises the following communities: Bound Brook, Cranbury, Dunellen, East Brunswick, East Windsor, Ewing, Fanwood, Franklin, Helmetta, Hightstown, Hopewell Borough, Hopewell Township, Jamesburg, Lawrence, Manville, Middlesex, Milltown, Monroe, North Brunswick, Old Bridge, Pennington, Plainfield, Plainsboro, Princeton Borough, Princeton Township, Scotch Plains, South Bound Brook, South Brunswick, South River, Spotswood, Trenton, and West Windsor.