February 18, 2009 - 12:15pm
News

Roughneen says he'll run for Somerset Freeholder

Thomas Roughneen

Attorney and Iraq War veteran Thomas Roughneen says he'll seek the Republican nomination for an open seat on the Somerset County Freeholder Board.  

“I came to the decision on Monday and made some calls yesterday,” said Roughneen, who subsequently submitted a letter to the municipal party chairs and to Somerset County GOP Chairman Dale Florio.

“It would be a privilege to serve the people,” said the candidate, who is one of three Roughneen brothers who have either served or are serving in Iraq. 

Roughneen, a Watchung resident, is the first of last year’s unsuccessful 7th Congressional District GOP candidates to formally submit a letter of interest to party members. 

Two other 2008 Congressional candidates - Peapack-Gladstone Republican Party Municipal Chair Kate Whitman and Warren Deputy Mayor Victor Sordillo - are also considering pursuing the seat being vacated at the end of this year by Freeholder Director Rick Fontana.

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