to quit!:bounce:
NJ GOP Congressman Skips Re-Election Bid
By ANGELA DELLI SANTI, AP
28 minutes ago
TRENTON, N.J. —
New Jersey Rep. Michael Ferguson, a Republican, announced Monday he will not seek re-election next year to a fifth term in Congress, saying he wants to spend more time with his young children.
The 37-year-old former teacher is the 17th House Republican to announce he will give up his seat at the end of the 110th Congress in January 2009. He was first elected to the House in 2000.
Ferguson narrowly defeated Democratic state Assemblywoman Linda Stender last year for re-election in a district that stretches east from the Pennsylvania state line to near Newark International Airport. Stender, who lost last year by fewer than 3,000 votes, has already indicated her intention to run again.
Another New Jersey Republican, Rep. Jim Saxton, announced 10 days ago he would not seek re-election to a 13th term in the House. Saxton, 64, was diagnosed in late spring with prostate cancer. He also is being treated for chronic sciatica, a painful back and leg condition.
Ferguson's announcement further complicates Republican efforts to take control of the House, where Democrats now enjoy a 33-seat majority. So far, only three House Democrats have said they will not seek re-election.
Possible GOP contenders for Ferguson's seat include state Sen. Tom Kean Jr., son of popular former Gov. Thomas Kean; state Sen. Leonard Lance; and state Assemblyman Jon Bramnick.
http://www6.comcast.net/news/articles/politics/2007/11/19/Ferguson.Retirement/