Millionaire businessman Andy Unanue says he will seek the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 2008.

“Over the past several days, Republicans across the state have urged me to run for the United States Senate. They believe that New Jersey and our nation are in crisis and need strong leadership to get things back on track. The good people of the Garden State can no longer afford to live here and are leaving in droves, in no small part because their interests have not been well represented in Washington,” Unanue wrote in a letter to GOP State Chairman Tom Wilson. “Because I share these concerns and care deeply about the future of our state and our country, I have decided to become a candidate to represent New Jersey in the United States Senate.”

From his letter to Wilson:

“I am running because I want to make a positive difference in the lives of all New Jersey families. I am running because I love my country and I love my state. I am not a typical politician and this will not be a typical campaign. I am a Republican businessman and former Chief Operating Officer of Goya Foods, Inc. I know how to create jobs, and I know firsthand how federal tax policies can stimulate or stifle the economy. I know how to create a budget, and I know how to implement efficiencies.”

“I also come from an environment where good ideas are good ideas, regardless of from whom or where they originate. It is time for a fresh voice in New Jersey, and it is well past time to put partisan bickering behind us. Senator Frank Lautenberg has been in Washington a very long time. He supports higher taxes at a time when New Jersey’s citizens already face the highest tax burden in the nation, and he votes for higher spending at a time when we face a record federal deficit and a perilous economic climate.”“New Jersey deserves a change, and they will not get change from Frank Lautenberg.”

“My family has enjoyed the true American Dream. My father, Joe Unanue, won the Bronze Star for his heroism after a field promotion during the Battle of the Bulge. My grandparents Prudencio & Carolina Unanue immigrated to this country and founded Goya Foods, Inc., and with hard work and determination my family led and grew Goya into the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States. But I am concerned the opportunities my family had may not be available to future generations if we do not work to protect our freedom, keep our country secure, and our economy strong."

“I want to be a part of finding solutions to make our state a place where families can afford to live. I want to work to make our country stronger and safer. And I want to use my business experience to strengthen our economy and create more and better-paying jobs.”

“I am looking forward to meeting with you and other republican leaders and activists to exchange ideas and share more about my thoughts and vision of the future.”

“I am very excited about this challenge and I am prepared to work with Republicans, Independents, and Democrats to win this election and bring new energy and leadership to representing our great state and country in the United States Senate.”