December 5, 2007 - 3:46pm
News

Rumpf says no to congressional bid

Republican Assembly Brian Rumpf withdrew his name today for consideration to run for outgoing U.S. Rep. Jim Saxton’s seat.

In a letter to Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore, Rumpf said that he would prefer to remain a member of the state legislature.

"This year’s recent election shed even greater light on the myriad of serious issues currently confronting our state that residents want addressed. Out of respect for the voters who chose me to continue representing them in the State Assembly, I am committed to serving in the State Legislature as an active advocate for my constituents,” wrote Rumpf.

Rumpf, however, left the door open to a possible congressional run “at some point in the future.”

Ocean County will begin screening potential candidate this weekend, and will hold a county committee convention on Monday to endorse a candidate. Among those candidates being screened is Lockheed Martin Vice President Chris Meyers, who’s from Burlington County. Also still in the mix from Ocean County are Freeholders Jack Kelly and Joe Vicari; former lottery commissioner Virginia Haines, Toms River Councilman Maurice Hill and Army Reserve Lieutenant Mario Boemio.

Matt Friedman is a PolitickerNJ.com Reporter and can be reached via email at matt@politicsnj.com.