Anne Estabrook

State Sen. Diane Allen, recovering from pneumonia that has sidelined her for much of the year, says she has no plans to retireState Sen. Diane Allen set the record straight today, denying rumors that she’s considering retirement due to health issues.

“There is no truth to that. Absolutely not,” said Allen in a phone interview this morning.

Allen has been suffering through a severe bout of pneumonia for most of the year, which has left her unable to attend some legislative sessions, including recent ones on the budget. It also kept her from considering a U.S. Senate bid earlier this year after she was courted by party leaders to replace Anne Evans Estabrook, who pulled out of the race after suffering a minor stroke.

State Sen. Joseph Pennacchio lost his bid for the GOP U.S. Senate nomination
While dozens of candidates were making last minute appeals on primary day, Republican Senate candidate Joe Pennacchio spent the afternoon working on dental fillings and root canals. The next day, about 12 hours after congratulating rival Dick Zimmer on his victory, Pennacchio was at his Mount Arlington dental practice again, engaging in his pre and post-election routine: going to work.

“I make a habit of working my regular job on election day and the next morning,” he said. “It grounds me. It tells me who I am, gets me back with the people and in the mix.”

Pennacchio, a conservative, lost to the more moderate Zimmer, 46% to 40%, with Murray Sabrin, a finance professor at Ramapo College, taking 14% of the vote. But despite a respectable showing, Pennacchio was true to the persona he cultivated during the campaign, exemplified by his “Jersey Joe” moniker and the slogan that accompanied it: “He’s one of us!”

After less than three weeks as a U.S. Senate candidate, Andy Unanue formally withdrew his candidacy today. 

Saying that he has no regrets about stepping into the race, Unanue issued a statement today after his committee on vacancies filed paperwork with the Division of Elections designating former Rep. Dick Zimmer as his replacement.

Unanue cited business commitments and opportunities as his primary reason for withdrawal. 

"After much thought and careful consideration, I have decided to end my candidacy for U.S. Senate.  I made the decision to enter the race after serious deliberation and I have no regrets.  My decision to withdraw is based on an equally thorough deliberation,” he said.  "I have concluded that my extensive business commitments along with new business opportunities that have recently presented themselves would prevent me from dedicating myself fully to a statewide campaign."

MIDDLETOWN - Turbulence in the Republican Party caused state Sen. Joseph Kyrillos (R-Monmouth) to more than once consider running for U.S. Senate in this current primary cycle.

He had a number of openings.

Citing health concerns, millionaire Anne Evans Estabrook last month dropped out of the Republican primary, sending the GOP scrambling to find a replacement. The party first recruited millionaire businessman Andy Unanue, while simultaneously trying to recruit millionaire businessman John Crowley.

As Goya Foods heir Andy Unanue starts his first ever race for elected office, he’ll have an experienced team waiting for him.

Once he gets back from Colorado.

Unanue is on a vacation with his extended family in Vail, and he won’t be returning to New Jersey in time to attend the Republican conventions scheduled for this week in Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, Middlesex and Salem Counties. He planned the trip a year ago, he said, and even a Senate candidacy isn’t enough to make him shirk the familial responsibility.

Instead, he’ll send surrogates to the conventions, and will address screening committees in conference calls. He plans to return to his homes in New Jersey and New York City early next month.

“I’m not a politician. I don’t really worry about how hard it’s going to be,” Unanue said when asked if not being able to attend the conventions will hurt his chances. “I’m worried about winning the primary and the election. I’m in the process of aligning myself with what I would consider the best and most talented staff.”

State Sen. Diane Allen won't run for U.S. SenateDespite calls from party leaders urging her to run, Republican state Sen. Diane Allen will not make a bid for U.S. Senate.

Allen, who’s been sick with pneumonia for two months, said that she’s not well enough to forge ahead with a statewide campaign.

“If I were 100% well and on my game I might have stepped in the day that Anne (Estabrook) stepped out, because I had been a strong supporter of hers, but there’s really no use in speculating,” she said. “I’m still sick and it’s going to be a long while before I’m back in shape.”

Former baseball player Al Leiter says he won't enter the U.S. Senate race
One name floated in Republican to run for U.S. Senate now that Anne Evans Estabrook has dropped out is former baseball star Al Leiter, a New Jersey native.

But Estabrook’s withdrawal was news to Leiter, who lives in Florida, and her decision won’t change his mind about running.

“I was approached by some folks in Washington in regard to the third district for Mr. Saxton, and as I told them, I was intrigued with the process but I’m not ready,” he said. “I’m interested in many ways and different levels.”

It was a tough fight leading up to today, but Estabrook’s two now-former primary opponents have laid down their arms to wish her a speedy recovery.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” said State Sen. Joe Pennacchio, who was Estabrook’s chief rival for the nomination, upon hearing about Estabrook’s mini-stroke. “I wish her a speedy recovery, she’s in my prayers, and whatever I can do to extend myself in any way shape or form. Whatever is necessary to do I’d be happy to help.”

Sen. Joe KyrillosState Sen. Joseph Kyrillos issued a statement today indicating that he would not pursue a run for the U.S. senate in 2008.

"I am flattered and grateful for the encouragement of some good friends and allies," said the senator from Middletown. "Susan and I considered a race and have made a family decision not to pursue it. Each of the announced Republican candidates would be a far more effective Senator than the incumbent."

Kyrillos spearheaded the New Jersey effort for Mitt Romney's unsuccessful presidential campaign.

Some Republicans, including Monmouth County Republican Chairman Adam Puharic, suggested Kyrillos' entry into the 2008 Senate race would be a game-changing event.

Frank Lautenberg has a $4.3 million warchest

Today was the deadline for filing federal campaign returns, and the landscape of New Jersey politics hasn’t altered drastically.

In the Senate race, only Frank Lautenberg has filed with the Federal Election Commission. While the numbers have not yet appeared on the site, campaign manager Brendan Gill said that the 84-year-old Democrat has raised $931,700 during the last quarter of 2007, bringing his cash on hand total to about $4.32 million.