No Senate Run For NJ's Ex-Gov

Former Gov. Thomas H. Kean said Monday he will not run for the U.S. Senate nomination that was being considered earlier this year by fellow Republican Gov. Christie Whitman.

The popular two-term governor mulled a possible Senate run for the seat in 2000, after Whitman decided to drop out of the race in early September.

The seat is being vacated by Democrat Frank Lautenberg.

Kean, who has twice turned back offers for him to run, said at the time he was "giving it a thought... It's the third time it's come my way."

He issued a two-paragraph statement announcing his decision, thanking those who offered support and adding, "It would have been an honor to once again aspire to serve the people of New Jersey."

Kean served as governor from 1982 to 1990 and was barred by law from seeking a third consecutive term. His successor was Democrat Jim Florio, who was in turn knocked out of office by Whitman after one four-year term and might run for the Senate himself next year.

Kean, 64, has been president of Drew University in Madison since leaving office. He would have given his party a big-name candidate in their attempt to grab a long-held Democratic seat.

Party leaders thought they had that candidate in Whitman, but she eventually dropped out, saying she could not be a good governor and a good Senate candidate at the same time.

Kean's departure will likely mean a tough primary on the Republican side. Rep. Robert Franks and Essex County executive James Treffinger have announced their intention to run, and former Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Murray Sabrin has also said he's in the race.

On the Democratic side, Florio has an exploratory committee for the Senate race. Former Goldman Sachs chairman Jon Corzine has announced his candidacy.