Andy Unanue has dropped his bid for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination and has headed back to his vacation in Vail, giving his Committee on Vacancies the opportunity to replace him on the ballot, according to several sources familiar with the GOP campaign. Former Rep. Dick Zimmer said today that he would run for the Senate if asked.
But Bergen County GOP Chairman Rob Ortiz, a Unanue friend, says that no decision on a withdrawal has been made.
"Andy let us know that he's been reexamining his business commitments and talking with his accountants and business partners. He has not made a decision, but wanted to keep us apprised so we have options available if he ultimately chooses to withdraw his name. He has not made a decision," said Ortiz. "He understands the time constraints and will make a decision very soon. Nobody has asked Andy to step down. The party leaders have always been and continue to be very supportive of his candidacy."
Unanue entered the race on Easter Sunday at the request of GOP leaders after Anne Evans Estabrook dropped her own campaign following a minor stroke.
