Statement from Mo Hill on NJ3

Maurice “Mo” B. Hill, Jr.
Councilman, Ward 3 – Toms River, NJ

HILL DROPS BID FOR 3RD DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL SEAT

TOMS RIVER – Toms River Councilman Maurice “Mo” Hill today announced he will not seek Ocean County Republican Council support to run for Congress in the 3rd District.

Hill, a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, who had been pursuing a bid for the GOP nomination for Congress against U.S. Rep. John Adler, has decided to withdraw and support San Diego Charger’s offensive lineman Jon Runyan of Mount Laurel.

“This was an extremely difficult decision to make,” Hill said. “But this is a district that traditionally supports Republicans and I believe that Jon Runyan will have the necessary resources to defeat Congressman Adler and take this seat back.”

“Based upon my qualifications, military background, political experience and knowledge of the issues I felt confident I could beat John Adler in November. Unfortunately to get to be the Republican Congressional candidate in November, you first have to win the Republican Primary.

“The funds one has to raise to run an effective Primary campaign and then fund a General Election campaign would require me to focus all of my time on fund-raising, instead of talking about the issues facing our 3rd District constituents,” continued Hill.

“An expensive Primary would not only be costly in terms of money, but also on the political unity that is needed to beat Adler in November.

“Rather than divide our party in an expensive Primary, I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration and throw my support to Jon Runyan,” said Hill.

“Jon has the financial ability to match Adler’s fundraising abilities, as well as considerable name recognition from his professional football career.”

“It is vital that our Party is united in the effort to win this election and I feel that with the support of all three county-party organizations behind him, Jon Runyan will be able to raise the funds necessary and invest the time it will take to win in November,” Hill said.

Ocean County Republican Chairman, George Gilmore commended Hill on making a very difficult decision that will ultimately help to further unite Republicans in Ocean, Burlington and Camden Counties.

“Mo Hill is a consummate statesman and an individual of great integrity, and I believe he is an excellent Congressional candidate,” Gilmore said. “I have great respect for him in making a decision to do what he feels is best for all Republicans in the 3rd District.”

Hill, who has lived in Toms River for 28 years, maintains a general dentistry practice in Brick Township. He has been married for more than 36 years to his wife Roseann, and has three adult daughters and four grandchildren.

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