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Jon Runyan, of Mount Laurel, has been involved in charities.

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GOP wants Runyan to tackle Adler for Congress

By Cynthia Burton

Inquirer Staff Writer

Burlington County Republicans are wooing former Eagles offensive tackle Jon Runyan to take out U.S. Rep. John Adler, the first Democrat in memory to win the House district that cuts through the Republican heartlands of Burlington and Ocean Counties.

And, in a statement released yesterday by Burlington County's favorite political consultant, Runyan said he was "seriously considering" the idea.

The use of Chris Russell, who has run numerous campaigns for the county party, to deliver his message is a sign that Runyan already has made inroads with the party organization.

Runyan, who was injured last year, recently met with the Eagles and other NFL organizations about playing again. But Burlington Republicans believe they can persuade the 6-foot-7, 330-pound lineman to join their team instead. They hope to make an announcement soon, according to party officials involved in the talks.

Runyan did not return a call for comment yesterday.

Runyan, 36, lives in a sprawling home in Mount Laurel and has been involved in charities in the fields of leukemia, dyslexia, and Alzheimer's disease. He memorably starred in McDonald's ads that featured the "chest-bump-worthy" gift of a large coffee.

His venture into politics would be new turf for Runyan, but not for Burlington County Republicans who persuaded former Flyer Brian Propp to run, unsuccessfully, for the Assembly in 2007.

Republicans hope to reclaim Adler's seat next year. They lost it, in part, because the Ocean and Burlington County Republican Committees went to war in the 2008 primary. Burlington County's James Saxton had held the seat for 24 years, and Ocean County felt it was its turn to have a native run for it.

The Burlington County candidate, Chris Myers of Medford, won the expensive primary but could not overcome Adler's money or the wave of support created by presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Adler proved to be a tireless campaigner who used his early start in the race to raise funds and campaign at Veterans of Foreign Wars halls, senior-citizen centers, and county fairs.

Both Republican chairmen, Bill Layton of Burlington and George Gilmore of Ocean, said yesterday that they didn't want a primary this time. But Gilmore said he had yet to meet Runyan.

"Ocean County's significant Republican vote was demonstrated in the gubernatorial election," he noted. Gov.-elect Christopher J. Christie's big victory margins in Ocean and Monmouth Counties helped him sweep the deep-blue state, which hadn't handed victory to a Republican in a dozen years.

"Now that the gubernatorial election is over, it's time to start focusing on races for next year. We'll be looking for potential candidates," Gilmore said. "If Mr. Runyan has an interest, I would hope he would contact the organization and set up a meeting."

The district also includes Cherry Hill in Camden County.

Runyan is a University of Michigan graduate who went to high school in Flint, Mich. He played four seasons for the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Oilers/Titans before the Eagles signed him in 2000. He is considered an iron man, having started 192 straight regular-season NFL games.

He met his wife, Loretta, a former Houston police officer, while playing for the Oilers. They have three children, including a son, Jon Jr., who plays flag football in Moorestown and is coached by his father.

Runyan injured his right knee last November but continued to play into the postseason. His contract was not renewed, however. He was cleared by his doctor to play in August and tried out for the Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills.

Though lacking Runyan's height and weight, Adler is a tough campaigner and fund-raiser. In the 2008 race, he raised $2.8 million to Myers' $1.2 million and had substantial help from national Democrats who targeted the seat. He already has more than $1 million on hand, according to federal campaign records.

Contact staff writer Cynthia Burton at 856-779-3858 or cburton@philly.com.

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Comments

Posted 06:39 AM, 11/12/2009

catnameddomino

Before recruiting someone to run for office, I would like to hear at least some of their views on the various issues. This is just further proof that celebrity is the only thing that really matters in our society.

Posted 06:44 AM, 11/12/2009

Super5

Sounds great! 2010 will be huge for the GOP & the future of this greatest nation on God's green earth!

Posted 06:48 AM, 11/12/2009

power808

Can we trade Andy Reid and McNabb to the Burlington County Republicans for Runyan? We'll even throw in Reggie Brown.

Posted 07:22 AM, 11/12/2009

FJG JR

Adler voted against the Health Bill. I will support him. He deserves to be recognized for that gutsy move. We must not forget our priorities. Runyon, let it alone for now.

Posted 07:33 AM, 11/12/2009

rmw38

God help Burlington County if Runyon runs.

Comment removed.

Posted 08:35 AM, 11/12/2009

MikeP

Figures Republicans would get excited about an inarticulate, cement headed, celebrity. It just shows how desperate the Republican Party has become. By 2010, they'll make up 10% of registered voters. Thanks George Bush!! You're the gift that keeps giving.

Posted 09:19 AM, 11/12/2009

Tocman

These ex-athletes who run for local political office should be seen for what they are. That is, using their celebrity to get elected so they can cash in on a government pension. Brian Propp (Ex Flyer) and Cinnaminson, NJ resident tried this. Came knocking on my door a few years back to get my vote. They are not from this area and know nothing about what is important to local residents. Don't be taken in by this ploy and vote for candidates who grew up in and live in the area and who really care about what is good for local government.

Posted 11:29 AM, 11/12/2009

SayHello2MyLittleFriend

Please don't jump to conclusions with Jon. I am hoping he can play a few more years in the NFL but Jon, the man, is a genuinely good guy. He loves the area and he chose to live here past his NFL career. I just hope he studied what is important for the constituents and what he can do for them.

Posted 12:08 PM, 11/12/2009

Tocman

SayHello......I'm sure he's a great guy and is just mad about the area....Does that qualify him for public office??

Posted 01:29 PM, 11/12/2009

Mabus

He's been involved with several charities but maybe he should be a community organizer for a while and set his sights a little higher

Posted 03:37 PM, 11/12/2009

Kaiser Sosa

Run John, Run!

Posted 12:21 AM, 11/13/2009

Sluggo

Mabus is correct. Start with community organizer and become friendly with urban guerrilla bombers. Then run for Senate. After becoming a senator go for the presidency. It can be done. It will be done. Wait, it has been done!