OLDWICK - He drives a Ford Expedition with 240,000 miles on it, which he calls "Moose," owns a .16 gauge shotgun and a .30-06 - for deer hunting - and when he grips the hand of a supporter at his campaign kickoff at the Oldwick Volunteer Firehouse, the other man's face crinkles into a broad grin at the feel of calluses on the hands of David Larsen, owner of a windows and doors business, and a candidate for U.S. Congress.
"I would never have guessed just a few years ago that I would be here tonight, making this announcement, making this commitment," declared Larsen, standing at a podium Friday night in the belly of the station house in front of a modest but animated crowd of 50 people.
"I also don’t think any of us could have predicted just a few years ago the challenges we would face as a nation or how our politicians would react to these challenges and how thoroughly they would disappoint us," added the candidate, whose businessman's Obama era outrage spills into his own party.
The GOP object of this long-shot, Tea Party-affiliate's disappointment is incumbent U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-Clinton), who served for three decades at the Statehouse before gritting through a Republican Primary in 2008 and then beating Assemblywoman Linda Stender (D-Fanwood) 51%-41% in the 7th District general election. The moderate, pro-choice Lance's victory over Stender came two years after Stender had come within two points of upending the more conservative, pro-life former U.S. Rep. Mike Ferguson.
"But the times have changed," said Larsen.
OLDWICK - He drives a Ford Expedition with 240,000 miles on it, which he calls "Moose," owns a .16 gauge shotgun and a .30-06 - for deer hunting - and when he grips the hand of a supporter at his campaign kickoff at the Oldwick Volunteer Firehouse, the other man's face crinkles into a broad grin at the feel of calluses on the hands of David Larsen, owner of a windows and doors business, and a candidate for U.S. Congress.
Julia Somers, executive director of the New Jersey Highlands Coalition, said her organization has a positive early view of Mercer businessman Bob Martin, Gov.-elect Chris Christie's choice to run the state Department of Environmental Proection (DEP).
"From what we know, Bob Martin's experience suggests that he brings strong management skills and fairly broad experience of New Jersey's environmental issues," said Somers in a statement. "I hope that, under his leadership, DEP will see its reputation restored as protector of our state's vulnerable environment. We look forward to working with him, as the Highlands Council and DEP coordinate their knowledge and programs."
Julia Somers, executive director of the New Jersey Highlands Coalition, said her organization has a positive early view of Mercer businessman Bob Martin, Gov.-elect Chris Christie's choice to run the state Department of Environmental Proection (DEP).