NJ Congressman Jon Runyan Will Not Seek Re-Election In 2014
By David Madden
MT. LAUREL, N.J. (CBS) -- One day after Chris Christie coasted to easy victory for a second term as New Jersey governor, a surprise out of Burlington County: two-term Republican US congressman (and former Philadelphia Eagles tackle) Jon Runyan says he has decided not to seek re-election next year.
Runyan, 39, issued a press release saying he gave the decision a great deal of thought and discussed it with family members. He says politics "shouldn't be a career and I never intended to make it one."
Beyond that, he gives no clues regarding the reason for his decision.
Runyan says he plans to spend more time with his three children. He came into office in the 2010 rise of the Tea Party movement, defeating incumbent Democrat Jon Adler, then defeating Adler's wife two years later to remain in Washington.
Runyan gives no hint of his plans for the future, but announcing his decision now allows a great deal of time for possible replacements on both sides of the aisle to crank up a campaign.
Runyan's statement added:
"While it has truly been an honor to serve the people of New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District, at this stage in my life, and more importantly, the lives of my three children, spending time with them is my top priority. As I serve out the rest of my term, I will continue to work hard on behalf of the people of South Jersey."
