Republican State Chairman Tom Wilson saluted Anne Evans Estabrook this morning for both her decision to run and to drop out.             

"Anne Estabrook ran for all the right reasons and is ending her campaign  for the right reason,” he said in a statement.  “I spoke to Ann last night and know that her decision to end her candidacy was easy from the standpoint of her health and well-being, but still difficult for a person who has within her a passion to give and fight.  Like all Republicans, I thank Ann for her willingness to give something back to her country.  I wish Ann many more years of good health and look forward to her continued involvement in our party.”

Wilson said later in a phone interview that Estabrook recognized that it would be irresponsible both to herself and the people of New Jersey to seek office when there’s a chance she could suffer another stroke. 

In his statement, Wilson took the opportunity to criticize Democratic incumbent Frank Lautenberg. 

“This race is about who is best up for the demands of the job.  Which candidate is best able to endure the rigors of a campaign and who is up for the demands of serving every day, for six years, to fight for New Jersey?" he said.  "Senator Lautenberg is 84 years old and has served in the Senate for nearly 25 years.  During that time, New Jerseyans have watched our taxes increase and our share of the federal pie shrink.  It is time for a change.  Frank Lautenberg had his chance and his best days, which really weren't very good, are behind him."