State Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr. has endorsed fellow state Sen. Leonard Lance (R) in the crowded Republican primary race to replace retiring Rep. Mike Ferguson (R).

Kean, who lost a bid for the U.S. Senate in 2006 and the GOP House primary in the 7th district to Ferguson eight years ago, is the son of popular former Gov. Tom Kean (R).

“Leonard Lance is the best candidate to keep Congressman Ferguson’s seat in Republican hands in November,” the younger Kean said in his endorsement statement.

Alluding to a likely general election showdown with state Assemblywoman Linda Stender (D) — who lost to Ferguson by fewer than 3,000 votes last cycle — Kean said Lance’s “record as a fiscal conservative stands in direct contrast to his opponent in November.”

Among the several Republicans who have announced or are contemplating a bid for Ferguson’s seat, Lance probably will face his toughest primary challenge from Somerset-based Kate Whitman, the daughter of former Gov. Christine Todd Whitman (R).

Myers Ahead in Local GOP Endorsements

In a district that is made up of large chunks of three counties, businessman and military veteran Christopher Myers (R) has snagged endorsements from two of the counties’ Republican committees in his quest to replace retiring Rep. Jim Saxton (R).

Camden County Republican Chairman Rick DeMichele announced on Tuesday that his committee was adding its endorsement to those of the Burlington County Republican Committee and Saxton himself.

Like Saxton, Myers hails from Burlington County, which makes up about 45 percent of the 3rd district. Ocean County, where the local Republican committee last month endorsed Ocean Country Freeholder Jack Kelly, makes up about 40 percent of the 3rd district.

The eventual Republican nominee will take on the highly touted Democratic candidate, state Sen. John Adler, in November.
— John McArdle