Businesswoman Anne Estabrook (R) announced last week she had formed an exploratory committee in preparation for a possible 2008 Senate bid. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D) already has announced his intention to seek re-election.

“I am a businesswoman,” Estabrook said in a statement. “I know how hard it can be to do business, create good jobs and raise a family in New Jersey.”

Rep. Mike Ferguson (R) is a member of Estabrook’s exploratory committee.

Estabrook, 63, is likely to find the race against Lautenberg tough going if she ultimately jumps in. New Jersey leans Democratic, and Lautenberg has not done anything to engender the enmity of voters since returning to the Senate in 2002 after retiring in 2000 — though he will be 84 next year and his age could become a factor.

According to Estabrook’s biography as released by her exploratory committee, she is the CEO and principal of Elberon Development Co., a New Jersey real estate company, which with its affiliates owns more than 30 buildings and 2.2 million square feet of space. Estabrook also is president of David O. Evans Inc., a property management and construction company.

A few Republican state legislators also reportedly are considering running for Senate next year.
— David M. Drucker