Businessman and military veteran Chris Myers, who has been endorsed by retiring Rep. Jim Saxton (R) to take over his 3rd district seat, is leading the GOP primary field in fundraising, according to a report Tuesday by politickernj.com, a Web site that follows Garden State politics.

Myers has raised about $275,000, according to his campaign manager, while Ocean County Freeholder Jack Kelly said his campaign has brought in $200,000.

The two men are the frontrunners in what is shaping up to be a regional battle among Republicans in the district.

Like Saxton, Myers hails from Burlington County, which makes up about 45 percent of the 3rd district. Myers has already picked up the endorsements of the Burlington and Camden County Republican committees. Ocean County, where the local Republican committee has endorsed Kelly, makes up about 40 percent of the 3rd district.

The eventual nominee is expected to face highly touted Democratic state Sen. John Adler in the general election. Adler reported about $590,000 in cash on hand at the end of 2007.
— John McArdle