Christie beats Lonegan at Union County convention

Republican gubernatorial candidate Christopher J. Christie swept the Union County convention yesterday, taking a 294-83 lead over Steve Lonegan, according to county GOP chairman Phil Morin.

Christie's victory means he gets preferential placement on the ballot in the June 2 primary. Earlier last week, he won the support of Monmouth County Republicans.

Christie and Lonegan campaigned vigorously for the Union County endorsement, which is often a harbinger of success in the Republican primary. Christie, a former U.S. attorney, campaigned through a series of coffees at committee people's homes.

Lonegan sent committee people brochures, telephoned them, and went door to door. Three other candidates received a combined 18 votes, Morin said. - Cynthia Burton