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READER FEEDBACK

Runyan mulling Congressional run?

By JASON NARK
Philadelphia Daily News

narkj@phillynews.com

Former Philadelphia Eagle Jon Runyan was well-equipped to take on imposing pass rushers during his illustrious NFL career.

Sources familiar with the Burlington County Republican Party say there's more than a few insiders who think the All-Pro lineman's also got the smarts and star power to take on U.S. Rep. John Adler in New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District.

"They've been chomping at the bit for him for years," said the source, who asked not to be identified. "He's literally got a multi-million dollar name."

Citing sources of their own, www.PolitickerNJ.com has reported that Assemblywoman Dawn Addiego, R-Evesham, spoke to Runyan about the possibility of running for congress. According to the article, Runyan, a Mount Laurel resident, knows Addiego because their children attend school together.

Runyan has not spoken publicly about a potential future in politics and did not return phone calls for comment yesterday.

In an article in the Inquirer last month, Runyan, who had microfracture surgery on his knee, was adamant that he wants to return to the NFL as soon as possible.

Addiego, who told PolictikerNJ.com she couldn't discuss Runyan, and Bill Layton, chairman of the Burlington County Republican Committee, did not return phone calls for comment.

Assemblyman Scott Rudder, R-Medford, said he first learned of the possibility of Runyan running on the Internet but couldn't confirm whether the rumors were true.

"I think the most important thing we need to focus on is having a candidate who is ready," said Rudder, whose name has also been bandied about as a possible candidate. "Whether it's Jon Runyan or another candidate, the 3rd Congressional District should rally around one candidate and avoid a costly primary."

According to the source in Burlington County, Runyan is a regular voter unaffiliated with either party but has appeared at fundraisers for Republican candidates in the past.

"It's not a far-fetched idea," the source said. "If they're gonna make a go at Adler, they might as well go big."

Last November, Adler defeated Republican Chris Myers, of Medford, becoming the first Democrat to hold the 3rd district seat in over a century. Adler did not return phone calls for comment.

The 3rd district stretches from the Delaware River to the Atlantic taking in most of Burlington and Ocean counties.

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Comments

Posted 04:46 PM, 11/11/2009

amann08

Jon is not the most friendly person in public. When you are running for office there is a lot of shaking hands and kissing babies i dont see Jon in that role.

Posted 04:54 PM, 11/11/2009

Nickawampus Leroy

I can't wait the the debate between a man's man like Big Jon and a pipsqueak pantywaist like Adler. It will be chest bump worthy!!!!

Posted 05:21 PM, 11/11/2009

JamesIgnatius

Runyan was the brightest guy on the Eagles. He is articulate, sincere, thoughtful, and disciplined - qualities sorely needed in Congress these days.

Posted 05:43 PM, 11/11/2009

doo dah man

could runyan be any worse that the current crop of clowns in DC?

Posted 05:44 PM, 11/11/2009

BrophyWilliams

I would vote for Runyan if he promises to clean Henry Waxman's clock on his first day in Congress.

Posted 06:46 PM, 11/11/2009

Digifant

Eagles had better sign him now.. before he wins a seat on congress!

Posted 07:16 PM, 11/11/2009

xxx

WHat makes the meathead John Runyan fit for politics? Oh yeah, he's a meathead.

Posted 07:40 PM, 11/11/2009

DennyP

Boooooooooooo

Posted 07:51 PM, 11/11/2009

longshanks

He played football. Apparently that's enough experience for Republicans. Good luck fatboy.

Posted 08:04 PM, 11/11/2009

bpphilly

"He played football. Apparently that's enough experience for Republicans. Good luck fatboy." He was a terrible comedian and a self-hating homosexual. Apparently that's enough experience for Liberals. Good luck maryboy. --- He's good enough, smart enough. And dog-gone-it, people like him! Hypocrisy....a longstanding tradition of the Democrats.

Posted 08:10 PM, 11/11/2009

Nickawampus Leroy

NJ needs more two-faced phonies like Jon Corzine than a God-fearing man's man like Jon Runyon.

Posted 08:16 PM, 11/11/2009

ozone

Who knew Runyon was really a tea bagger?

Posted 10:55 PM, 11/11/2009

Mr. Smith

If you've ever encountered John Runyan in public, you'd know he's got a great presence - sincere, funny, intelligent, involved in the community, and he's so freaking large you can't miss him. If Jon wanted to run for office, he would be a great candidate. Adler gone in 2010. Menendez goes down in 2012.

Posted 11:04 PM, 11/11/2009

riverhealer

What is a man's man? Is that anything like "man-on-dog?" (a la Rick Santorum). Runyun is an oxymoron (big dumb guy). As such he could only be a Republican. Dumb turd.

Posted 11:47 PM, 11/11/2009

owlets

If I'm one of the Assembly Republicans in the area -- someone who actually understands how much is involved in governing and was thinking of running against Adler -- I might be a little PO'd that some guy thinks he can come in and run solely on celebrity. Being articulate, sincere, thoughtful, and disciplined may not matter if you don't know from Shinola about the issues.