NFL's Jon Runyan to run for Congress in NJ

By GEOFF MULVIHILL
Associated Press Writer

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. (AP) — Shortly after signing with the San
Diego Chargers, Jon Runyan announced he’ll retire at the end of
the season and run for Congress in New Jersey.

The 35-year-old offensive lineman said in a statement late
Tuesday that he told Republican officials in Burlington County
of his plans to challenge Democratic Rep. John Adler in New
Jersey’s 3rd District.

“I look forward to a successful end to my career on the field,”
Runyan said, “and a spirited campaign against Congressman Adler
in 2010.”

Runyan, who was signed as a free agent Tuesday, hasn’t played
since the end of last season. He wasn’t re-signed by
Philadelphia after having surgery on his right knee.

Runyan has not given interviews about his political ambitions or
said much about his stance on issues. A previous statement
mentioned the country was being taken in the wrong direction by
career politicians “incapable of solving the problems we face.”

The seat was held for more than two decades by Republican Jim
Saxton, who retired last year.

Adler, who replaced him, is seen as vulnerable. He was a popular
state senator, but is a Democratic first-term representative in
a district that traditionally supports Republicans.

Adler voted against a health care overhaul bill this month,
rousing opposition from the left. Adler’s chief of staff, Jill
Greco, said the Congressman is “not thinking about partisan
politics or next year’s election.”

Runyan, who played 13 seasons in the NFL for Houston, Tennessee
and Philadelphia, was one of the more popular Eagles. He never
missed a game in nine years with the Eagles, starting 192
straight regular-season games.

Parts of three counties make up the 3rd District, which
stretches from the Philadelphia suburbs to the shore. Runyan
lives in Mount Laurel, N.J.

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