GOP would love Runyan to tackle a congressional bid

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 that there are more than a few insiders who think that 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 champing 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 that 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 that 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 also has been mentioned 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," he said.

According to the source in Burlington County, Runyan is a regular voter unaffiliated with either party but who 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 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.