Jon Runyan Releases 2nd Television Ad Online

As mentioned earlier this week, the former Oiler, Titan, Eagle and Charger's campaign bid for Congress in South Jersey heated up when charges were lobbed against his opponent for apparently planting a bogus Tea Party Candidate.

Yesterday, Runyan released a 2nd TV spot on his Blog, Facebook and YouTube pages.

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Runyan Race Heating Up

Image: NJ.com

Former Philadelphia Eagle Jon Runyan's bid for US Congress in South Jersey's 3rd District took a turn in the big guy's favor this past week when the Courier Post reported that his opponent John Adler and his camp allegedly planted a fraudulent Tea Party candidate to siphon off votes from the left tackle - an accusation Runyan's campaign had been making ever since the 3rd party candidate's name first surfaced when results from the incumbent's internal poll were first released.

From CP's Jane Roh:

Sources said Adler’s congressional and campaign staff carried out the plan with the help of CCDC staffers and volunteers.

“The goal was to take 5 percent of (Republican Jon) Runyan’s vote,” said one South Jersey Democrat. “Steve Asycue designed the plan with Geoff Mackler following his lead.”

Ayscue, 40, is a high-profile Democratic consultant who runs CCDC operations. Mackler, 34, is Adler’s campaign manager. The Washington, D.C., resident worked for DCCC prior to coming to South Jersey earlier this year.

“From the beginning orders have flowed from Cherry Hill,” said one Democratic operative, referring to CCDC headquarters at Garden State Pavilions shopping center.

Ed boards and news orgs are jumping all over it, including the influential Asbury Park Press:

Installing a “plant” candidate in an election is not illegal. But it is underhanded and deceptive, to say the least. It calls into question the judgment and principles of the candidate whose campaign orchestrated the plant.

Here's the latest from MyFoxPhilly.com:

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Philly.com: Former "Viking" Jon Runyan Running for Congress

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NY Giant to for Philadelphia Eagle? What is This World Coming to?

Image: philadelphiaeagles.com

As an Eagles fan, it always seemed to me that the epic NFC East battles in the trenches between Jon Runyan and Michael Strahan always seemed to tip in favor of the gapped-toothed sack monster.

Now, according to a South Jersey political leader (and the Philadelphia Daily News), Strahan is making up for all those sacks against Runyan by helping raise money for the O Lineman's Congressional race.

When you think of probable NFL supporters of Jon Runyan you might logically conclude a quarterback or two he protected, or a couple of running backs he cleared a path for. However, an early NFL supporter of Jon Runyan is none other than New York Football Giant Michael Strahan.

The Eagles and Giants have a long-standing and fierce rivalry. The two directly competed against each other on the field. When you think of the competition between the two it is hard not visualize numerous high-speed impacts. During game time neither had any love for the other. Now both are retired from the game and are working together.

According to Dan Gross at the Philadelphia Daily News, Strahan will help Runyan raise money to take on John Adler in New Jersey’s third congressional district race.

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Video: Runyan Wants to Toughen Up DC

Jon Runyan made his speaking debut on the campaign circuit last night at a Camden County Republican fundraiser.

Said the former Eagle O Lineman: "I was never the best athlete. I was never the fastest guy. I wasn't the strongest. But you know what? I put my work in and I made a mental decision to be the toughest guy out there. And I think taking that tenacity to Washington, DC is going to go a long way."

On why he's running: "The size of the government is totally out of control. The people are the ones that are going to solve these problems. We have to get government out of the way, put money back in the people's hands and let them solve the problems that we have."

As far as his qualifications, Runyan notes that this public service is an extension of the community work he has done in South Jersey over the last decade; and his passion to change the course our country is headed.

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Jon Runyan Hits a Different Campaign Trail First

Below is the official statement of Jon Runyan regarding his decision to sign with the San Diego Chargers for the remainder of the NFL season and its impact on his plans to seek the Republican nomination for the US House of Representatives in NJ's 3rd Congressional District:

"Yesterday, I received an offer to pursue my professional dream of winning a Super Bowl, and have decided to sign with the San Diego Chargers for the remainder of this season through the playoffs. Win or lose, these will be my final games as an NFL player. Last night, I personally informed the Republican County Chairmen in NJ's 3rd Congressional District that after the season is over I plan to officially retire from football and pursue a campaign for the United States Congress. I want to thank all of the people who have been encouraging me to run next year and let them know that I look forward to a successful end to my career on the field, and a spirited campaign against Congressman Adler in 2010."

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Official Statement from Big Jon Runyan on Possible Congressional Run

This afternoon I received an email from a New Jersey political consultant regarding the earlier post about Jon Runyan possibly running for NJ Congressional District 3:

Mr. Runyan asked me to forward his official statement to you regarding NJ's 3rd Congressional District campaign next year and his potential interest in the race as a Republican candidate.

He will have no further comment at this time, but expects to speak on the record with all of you in the near future. Thank you.

Official Statement from Philadephia Eagles Great, Jon Runyan, Regarding NJ's Third Congressional District Campaign

Mount Laurel, November 11, 2009 – “I am seriously considering becoming a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District. Our great country is headed in the wrong direction, and it’s clearer every day that career politicians are incapable of solving the problems we face.

I am grateful for the tremendous support and encouragement I have received while talking to people throughout South Jersey about running for Congress and I look forward to having more to say on this subject in the weeks ahead.”

-30-

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Chest Bump Worthy? Congressman Jon Runyan

PolitickerNJ.com is reporting that former Eagles Tackle (and currently unsigned free agent) Jon Runyan is a possible Republican candidate for South Jersey's 3rd Congressional District currently held by Freshman Democrat John Adler.

Runyan's toughest challenge - should he enter the race - would more likely come from his own party rather than the incumbent. The seat, which was held by Republican Jim Saxon since 1993 before his retirement in 2008, is widely seen as one of the national GOP's top pick-up opportunities, with Adler having benefited greatly from the immense Obama surge during the presidential year race. Since his election, the 2010 mid-term was recognized as being Adler's "real" challenge.

The district is primarily comprised of Burlington and Ocean Counties, two of the most powerful Republican organizations in the state. With Ocean County producing a 70,000 plurality for Governor-Elect Chris Christie (R) in this year's gubernatorial race, and with Burlington County having put up an unsuccessful candidate in the '08 race, a strong claim could be made for the party's nomination coming from Ocean rather than Runyan's Burlington.

UPDATE: Runyan's Official Statement Confirming Interest in Run

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