Ferguson Announces Surprise Retirement

Rep. Mike Ferguson (R-N J.), 37, announced he will not be running for re-election in a surprise move that opens up a highly-competitive suburban New Jersey seat.

In a statement, Ferguson cited his desire to spend more time with his family for his decision. He is one of the youngest members in the House, and was first elected in 2000.

“Being a representative in Congress is more meaningful than I had imagined, and I know that now is the right time to step away from public life to focus more on family life while our children are still young,” Ferguson said in a statement.

“After winning re-election in an extraordinarily challenging year for Republicans in 2006 and then witnessing the impressive gains Republicans made in the 7th District just this month, I am confident that Republicans will nominate a candidate who will continue to reflect the mainstream values of voters in the district and be elected as our next representative in 2008.”

The district is highly competitive at the national level, giving President Bush 53 percent of the vote in 2004, but only 49 percent of the vote against Al Gore in 2000.

Democrats already have a highly-regarded recruit in state Assemblywoman Linda Stender, who narrowly lost to Ferguson, 49-48%, in last year’s election. She raised over $240,000 last quarter, and is well-prepared for a run. .

State senator Tom Kean, Jr., who lost to Ferguson in the 2000 GOP primary, is a potential candidate for the seat. Kean, the son of former New Jersey governor Tom Kean, also unsuccessfully ran for the Senate against.Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) last year.

Former GOP Rep. Bob Franks, who previously held the seat, is another possible high-profile GOP contender. Other possible Republican candidates include: Assembly Minority Whip Jon Bramnick and state Sen.-elect Christopher Bateman.