November 26, 2007 - 11:42am
News

GOP Mayor of Scotch Plains is going for 7th district seat

Scotch Plains Mayor Martin Marks says he's definitely in the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Mike Ferguson in the 7th district.

"We're full steam ahead on this," said Marks, a dentist who is in his eighth year as mayor. "I intend to take this to the finish line."

Marks, 45, reiterated his belief that his candidacy would make the most strategic sense for the Republican Party, and argues that because he is from the same corner of Union County as Democratic Assemblywoman Linda Stender, he can compete with her better than any other candidate.

He acknowledged the name recognition of presumptive frontrunner state Sen. Minority Leader Leonard Lance of Hunterdon County.

"But that doesn't necessarily carry the day in Union County," said Marks. "I'm not so sure Republican voters who tend to be little more conservative, would identify with Leonard Lance's brand of Republicanism."

Max Pizarro is a PolitickerNJ.com Reporter and can be reached via email at max@politicsnj.com.

Related topics: Mike Ferguson, Martin Marks