Politics & Government

Lonegan Seems Shoo-In for GOP Senate Nod

Staunchly conservative candidate opposes ACA, abortion and gay marriage, contends "Constitution is being torn up" by NSA information-gathering.

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By Colleen O'Dea (Courtesy of NJ Spotlight)

This could be the year former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan, a staunch conservative, finally wins the Republican nomination for a statewide office -- in this case, the U.S. Senate.

The 57-year old, who headed the New Jersey chapter of Americans for Prosperity until beginning his campaign for Senate in early June, has twice been unsuccessful in seeking the GOP nod for governor -- in 2005 and 2009.

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According to the most recent poll, released early last month by Quinnipiac University, he has a commanding 62 percent to 5 percent lead over opponent Alieta Eck, a doctor. With 41 years having passed since New Jersey voters chose a Republican to serve in the U.S. Senate and a compressed campaign schedule due to Gov. Chris Christie’s decision to hold special elections, Lonegan is one of only two Republicans to get into the race.

"The Republican race looks even more one-sided than the Democratic primary,” said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. “Alieta Eck hardly registers.”

Read more at NJSpotlight.com

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