Matt Holt

Freeholder Matthew Holt today unveiled endorsements of Republican elected officials from his hometown of Clinton Township. 

Former Mayor and veteran Councilman Robert Smith joined current Republican Council members Dan Shea, Rich Duffy, Todd Pender, and Martin Pendergast in their public support of Holt's Assembly Candidacy in the 23rd Legislative District.

Former Republican Council members Rick Christenson and Rosemary Pendergast also threw their support behind Holt.  

As early as Monday, Hunterdon County Freeholder Ron Sworen said he didn’t think he would endorse a candidate in the 23rd District state Senate matchup between Assemblyman Michael Doherty (R-Washington Twp.) and Assemblywoman Marcia Karrow (R-Raritan Twp.). But today he decided to pick a candidate. 

“I’m going to be supporting Marcia Karrow for the Senate seat,” Sworen told PolitickerNJ.com. “Her local level experience is something we need desperately in the senate, and I intend to vote for her at the convention on Saturday.”

Karrow is a former Raritan mayor and committeewoman.

Bloomsbury Mayor Mark Peck

Bloomsbury Mayor Mark Peck acknowledged today that he is mulling a run for the Assembly in the 23rd District. 

“It’s certainly something I’m considering, and it’s a matter of where I think I can make the most difference,” said Peck, who failed in his 2005 primary bid for the Assembly, and last year challenged Hunterdon County Republican Chairman Henry Kuhl and lost.

“We needed new direction and new energy in the Republican Party and to date I’m pleased to see a lot of the reform aspects I called for have been adopted,” Peck said of his challenge to Kuhl. “The party is more open and inclusive, they’re having more lower-cost events, they have a website up and running, and there is more of an effort to communicate electronically.”

A GOP candidate for the Assembly in the 23rd District, Hunterdon County Freeholder Matthew Holt this week announced endorsements from former state Sen. Bill Schluter, former Hunterdon County Clerk Dottie Tirpok, and former Warren County Clerk Terry Lee. 

"I know the Trenton scene and what it takes to be an effective Legislator,” Schluter, who served as senator of the district for 13 years, wrote in a letter to Hunterdon/Warren County Republican Committee members.

“Matt will not let partisan gridlock prevent him from seeking responsible bipartisan solutions for the public good.  He is not flamboyant -- he works quietly and efficiently with constituents including farmers, environmentalists, and citizen advocacy groups. He will perform his Legislative duties in a fair and responsible manner while protecting the interest of the 23rd district, earning both your respect, as well as the respect of his fellow legislators."

Hunterson County Freeholder Erik Peterson wants the State Assembly seat of Mike Doherty or Marcia Karrow, one of whom will go to the State Senate.

Hunterdon County Freeholder Erik Peterson has entered the race for the Assembly in the 23rd District.

"I want to bring Republican principles of fiscal; conservatism, limited government and open, honest government that is accountable to the people of New Jersey to the Legislature," Peterson, an attorney and political protege of U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-Clinton), said in a letter to party members.

Peterson’s entry means there are now at least three GOP contenders in the race created by former state Sen. Lance's victory last year and the movement directly beneath him of two lawmakers eager to move up in his absence.

Hunterdon County Freeholder Matt Holt will run for the assembly, not the state senate

The three way race for senate in the 23rd Legislative District has been narrowed down to two.

Hunterdon County Freeholder Matt Holt, who had already declared his candidacy for state senate, has opted instead to run for one of the two possible assembly seats that will soon open up.  Both incumbents, Assembly members Marcia Karrow (R-Flemington) and Mike Doherty (R-Washington Twp.) are running to replace Congressman-elect Leonard Lance in the state Senate. 

"My mission to represent the 23rd District in the Legislature will not change.  I repeat my pledge to run a campaign based on issues, and to be a unifying force that all Republicans can rally around to further the goals of the party,” said Holt in a statement.  “Low taxes, responsible government, transparency, and impeccable integrity can be the hallmarks of New Jersey governance.  I continue my total commitment to these principles.” 

Warren County Freeholder Director John DiMaio today formally endorsed Assemblyman Michael J. Doherty (R-Washington Township) for the 23rd District state senate seat U.S. Rep.-elect Leonard Lance is vacating to go to Congress.

"I have worked side-by-side with Mike as a member of the Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders. He has a strong work ethic and he has always taken the correct stand on difficult issues,” said DiMaio in a statement.

“Mike is a true friend of families and taxpayers as evidenced by his record as a Freeholder and Assemblyman. Mike Doherty is one of the most focused individuals that I have worked with in my 28 years of elected service,” the freeholder director added. “When the little guy needs a hand, Mike is always ready to help out. Mike has earned my respect and he will be a great asset to all of us in the 23rd District as our next Senator."

In the 23rd Legislative District’s battle of endorsements, assemblywoman and state senate candidate Marcia Karrow (R-Flemington) today announced the support of nine mayors from Warren County municipalities.

Karrow is competing with fellow Assemblyman Mike Doherty (R-Washington Twp.) and Hunterdon County Freeholder Matt Holt for the state senate seat being vacated by Congressman-elect Leonard Lance (R-Clinton).

The mayors are Robert Resker (Allamuchy Township), Bonnie Butler (Franklin Township), Thomas Charles (Frelinghuysen Township), Kevin Duffy (Township of Hardwick), Robert Giordano (Independence Township), John Inscho (Liberty Township), Ellen Nerback (Township of Mansfield), Harry Wyant, Jr. (Phillipsburg) and Marianne Van Deursen (Borough of Washington).

There are 22 municipalities in Warren County, 16 of which have partisan-elected Republican mayors.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Steven Lonegan today endorsed fellow conservative Michael Doherty (R-Washington Twp.), an assemblyman, for the state senate.

"Mike Doherty is a man of principle, and a true champion of the taxpayers. As I have traveled the State of New Jersey to support various conservative issues, Mike has always been by my side to fight for smaller government and lower taxes,” said Lonegan. “As an elected official, Mike has never voted for a new tax. He knows that the solution to our problems is cutting spending, not increasing taxes.”

Assemblywoman Marcia Karrow (R-Flemington) flexed her Hunterdon County political muscle today, touting the endorsements of 14 of the county’s Republican mayors for her state senate candidacy.

"I am both humbled and encouraged that the elected officials that know me best, the ones that I work with on a day to day basis, support my decision to seek the Senate seat,” she said in a statement.

Union Township Mayor Frank Mazza called Karrow a “principled conservative” and a “force to be reckoned with.”  Hampton Maor Rob Walton praised Karrow’s full-time commitment to the job, saying that “there is no question in my mind that Assemblywoman Karrow is the best choice to succeed Leonard Lance in the Senate.”