Whitman's daughter to run for Congress

PEAPACK, N.J., Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Kate Whitman, daughter of former Environmental Protection Administration head Christine Todd Whitman, announced plans Thursday to run for Congress.

Whitman said she would seek the Republican nomination in the 7th District of New Jersey, where Mike Ferguson, also a Republican, has decided not to seek another term, The Bridgewater Courier-News reported.

"I'm running for Congress because I believe I can provide the type of first-class representation and constituent service that the people of the 7th Congressional District want and deserve," Whitman said in a statement. "People are tired of politics as usual in Washington, and as a small businesswoman and mother of two, I will bring a unique perspective that will achieve results."

The 7th District, in central New Jersey, has been a safe Republican seat, but Ferguson was almost defeated last year by Assemblywoman Linda Stender, who is the likely Democratic candidate next year.

State Sen. Leonard Lance has also announced he is running on the Republican side, and several other candidates are expected to get in the race.

Whitman serves as executive director of the Republican Leadership Council, a centrist group headed by her mother, who was twice elected governor of New Jersey.