As one former NFL-er exits congressional office, a current NFL kicking coach is considering running for Congressman Jon Runyan’s seat.
Runyan announced he would not be seeking reelection in 2014.
Mayor Randy Brown is being considered for Runyan’s position, which expires January 2015.
Brown is no doubt running for the position, he said, if it’s what’s best for his family, Evesham Township and the state.
“I have to spend some time talking to my family and political adviser, this is a big step and I have to see what’s best for the family, town and the district,” Brown said.
Brown was contacted by “many people” in the hours following Runyan’s announcement for the possibility of running. He received a phone call at 9:30 a.m., which blindsided him, he said.
Brown has been the mayor of Evesham Township for seven years. He is up for mayoral reelection next year when his term expires, at the same time Runyan’s position expires.
“It’s one of those you have to pick. You have to pick one or the other,” Brown said. “I’m hopeful the decision will be made soon.”
Brown doesn’t like to sit on decisions too long, he said. An announcement is expected “relatively quickly.”
“When you’re an elected official you and love serving like I do, you have to explore these options,” Brown said.
Runyan released a statement on his decision to not return to congress this afternoon.
“After a great deal of thought and discussions with my family, I have decided not to seek re-election in 2014,” Runyan said in the statement. “Politics shouldn’t be a career and I never intended to make it one.
“While it has truly been an honor to serve the people of New Jersey’s Third Congressional District, at this stage in my life, and more importantly, the lives of my three children, spending time with them is my top priority,” Runyan said. “As I serve out the rest of my term, I will continue to work hard on behalf of the people of South Jersey.”
Brown noted the importance of Republican Gov. Chris Christie’s reelection and maintaining a Republican in the congressional seat.
Christie drew big numbers in Evesham, Brown said.
Brown feels the Republicans are positioned “very well” and the numbers everyone carried in Evesham reflect that, all of which will go into his decision making process.
In the short term: Brown plans to continue serving as mayor to Evesham Township, not losing focus of his current duties one way or the other.
Brown will to have a long conversation with political advisers on both the state and county level in very near future.
“If the Republican team believes I’m the best candidate, then we have to think long and hard about that,” Brown said. “Who does the team think is going to be the best person for this district? Whether it’s me or somebody else, is up for discussion.”
Brown believes his ability to work on both sides of the isle contribute to his strengths, noting he has worked well with Democratic and Republican mayors in neighboring towns and counties.
“I’ve been a part of this bipartisanship and [Evesham Township] has been a leader and a model that other towns have followed,” Brown said. “It’s a start. I’m hoping this is a decision soon of where this is going to go.”
