Ferguson Will Not Challenge Lautenberg

Most of the other big names are looking to 2009 (0.00 / 0)

John Murphy will run for governor in 2009, and Chris Christie will do the same (if he runs for anything).

Frank Lobiondo has the money to run for Senate but would he really give up a safe Congressional seat to challenge an incumbent Senator?  Even if he does run, he's too socially conservative for NJ voters to send him to Washington.

I'd love to see Mike Doherty get the GOP nod.

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by: Scott Weingart @ Wed Dec 20, 2006 at 13:33:03 PM CST

Don't count on Baroni (0.00 / 0)

Baroni would make a strong GOP candidate -- a throwback to older Millicent Fenwick/Jacob Javitz Republicanism that no longer exists, even in New Jersey. But I just don't see it happening -- not yet, anyway. In 2008, he'll be in just his fifth year in the Assembly (assuming he wins next year), has bucked his party often and might have difficulties attracting enough GOP support in a primary. I'd bet on someone else, someone from one of the leadership spots or someone like (but not) Doug Forrestor who has no connection to the state party.

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by: Hank Kalet @ Wed Dec 20, 2006 at 14:07:53 PM CST

Disagree (0.00 / 0)

I could see Baroni winning the primary but losing thegeneral. Republicans are so hungry for a win right now, they could hold their noses on some of Baroni's positions if they think he's the best to take down Lautenberg. He'd do well in a general election, but that 'R' next to his name will probably sink him.

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by: JRB @ Wed Dec 20, 2006 at 14:17:32 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Oh Dear. (0.00 / 0)

The thought of Mike "Capt. Slit Trench" Doherty running for the US Senate just promises so much rich comedy gold.

Out here in Warren, he is simply the mystery man. He pops up very infrequently, to no apparent constructive effect. He does ably piss people off, however. He's great at that.

Oh please, Bergen Dems! Trot out the Doherty stories. Just because he came out here from Bergen, when the Republicans wouldn't let him run for anything there, doesn't mean you should ignore him. If he runs, Club for Growth and National Right to Life are gonna cash him up but good.


The nom de plume has a long and distinguished history.

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by: Tandalayo Scheisskopf @ Wed Dec 20, 2006 at 15:04:31 PM CST

Is Ferguson afraid that he would lose ? (0.00 / 0)

I'm curious whether there are any opinions out there regarding WHY Ferguson decided not to run for the US Senate in 2008.

After seeing Junior get beat, and considering that Ferg is more conservative than Junior, perhaps Ferg knows that he would be clobbered in a statewide election?  Outside the cozy confines of the 7th, he would face some very tough questioning.  He's a weak debater and he blandly recites Bush talking points.  Ferg knows that Bush is poison in NJ, and Bush will still be in the White House in November 2008. 

Ferguson's wingnut positions on several issues would be placed under a microscope and broadcast far and wide.  And a defeat wouldn't do much for the momentum of his political career.

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by: jfc521 @ Thu Dec 21, 2006 at 19:41:30 PM CST