Chris Venis

Kate Whitman and Leonard Lance sought to affirm their conservative credentials at a forum for seventh district Republican congressional candidates in Clark last night. 

About eighty Republicans showed up to hear five of the contenders for the seat of four-term incumbent Mike Ferguson, who announced last year that he would not seek re-election.

Positioning himself as the social conservative in a field of pro-choice Republicans, Scotch Plains Mayor Martin Marks made it clear he is pro-life.

Kelly Hatfield is the latest Republican to enter the 7th district House raceThe field of Republican candidates in the seventh congressional is getting more crowded.

Former Summit Councilwoman Kelly Hatfield has decided to run for the Republican nomination to replace outgoing U.S. Rep. Mike Ferguson.

“I’m running,” said Hatfield, 54, who has a PhD in microbiology. “I’ve been meeting and talking with people not only in this county but throughout the district, and I think the residents of the district want someone who’s familiar with the issues and who has experience to be an effective advocate for them in Washington.”

This question came from a reader, and while it's slightly inappropriate, The Inside Edge simply can not resist sharing: "So, if Linda Stender was a Spender, what will they rhyme with Chris Venis?"

Former Hillsborough Deputy Mayor Chris Venis became the first Republican to enter the seventh district House race following Rep. Mike Ferguson’s retirement.

“Every person at some point in their lives has come to a crossroad. A road that will take them to an unknown place: a place full of challenges, and sometimes a place full of huge responsibility. Today it is my turn to choose a path,” Venis said. “Mine is quite simple, to ensure that our children and families have the best opportunity to prosper and live safe healthy lives."