Crowley may join GOP gubernatorial field

[Courier Post]

Crowley may join GOP gubernatorial field
By GREGORY J. VOLPE • Gannett State Bureau • September 3, 2008

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Signals from John Crowley about a potential 2009 gubernatorial bid have New Jersey Republicans intrigued and waiting to see the next move from him or from presumed favorite U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie.


While Christie won't discuss his political future when he has to be a nonpolitical federal prosecutor, most ranking Republicans say the 2009 nomination to run for the state's top job, most likely against Gov. Jon S. Corzine, is his, if he wants it.

Crowley, however, a newcomer making splashes in New Jersey's political scene, has met with state and national party leaders.

Crowley is the president of Amicus Therapeutics of Cranbury. His firm is trying to find a cure for a rare, often-fatal genetic disease that afflicts two of his children.

He discusses a 2009 bid -- saying he won't rule anything in or out -- and has several meetings this week with the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the Republican Governors Association and National Right to Life.

"I have had people ask me., I have never brought it up," said Crowley of running for governor. His pat reply to politicos is the same as what he tells reporters: nothing's decided either way.

But several Republicans privately say Crowley has expressed interest in running next year.

"That's the buzz going around the convention right now, that he's going to run for governor," said Atlantic County GOP chairman Keith Davis, who says he would likely support Christie but unlike others doesn't immediately dismiss a Crowley bid in deference to Christie. "I like Crowley, I like Christie. I don't make endorsements until all the candidates are known."

Roger Bodman, who served as campaign manager for former Gov. Thomas Kean, said Crowley is doing all the right things to be a statewide candidate.

"I'm curious to see what he's made of, whether he's going to run," Bodman said. "But this is just the first step on a very long road."

Many Republicans don't know what the future holds for Crowley but are intrigued by the possibilities.

"Harrison Ford doesn't have an option for my life story," said former U.S. Rep. Dick Zimmer, the Republican nominee for Senate after Crowley declined this year.

"You have to be intrigued with anybody who's done what he's done," said James Harkness, executive director of the state Senate Republicans.

Reach Gregory J. Volpe at gvolpe@gannett.com

[Guest]

Wonder where he stands on the COAH issue?!

[Guest]

I'd prefer Christie. Crowley comes with the same resume as Forrestor, but with less office holding experience. I think Christie gives the best chance.

[Guest]

Crowley has an incredible background. He cannot be compared to Forrester. He has a brilliant business mind and he can 'walk the walk' in a political arena. Don't discount him for lack of experience.

[Guest]

Crowley and Forrestor are both millionaires and CEO's. Forrestor ran for senate, was on the WW TC and I believe was the WW mayor as well.

While I like Crowley he doesn't have a strong background in actual office or elections. Crowley does run the Republican group and does a tremendous amount of charity work. So he's active.

However, I think Christie has a better chance of winning. Ideally, Baroni would run as I think he'd be a shoe in over the other two.