New Jersey’s Ferguson adds to GOP exits
New Jersey Rep. Mike Ferguson, a Republican, announced Monday that he would not seek reelection next year to a fifth term in Congress, saying he wants to spend more time with his young children.
The 37-year-old former teacher is the 17th House Republican to announce he will give up his seat at the end of the 110th Congress in January 2009. He was first elected to the House in 2000.
Ferguson narrowly defeated Democratic state Assemblywoman Linda Stender last year. Stender, who lost by fewer than 3,000 votes, has already indicated her intention to run again.
In Virginia, former GOP Gov. James S. Gilmore announced that he would seek the U.S. Senate seat held by retiring Republican John W. Warner.
Gilmore’s announcement sets up a campaign with another former governor, Democrat Mark R. Warner -- a clash between two men with vastly different views about government.
Gilmore, 58, said that he would stress his military and national security background. Mark Warner did not serve in the military.
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