TRENTON — Three years ago during the Republican National Convention in Minnesota, some New Jersey delegates took a cruise on the Mississippi River hosted by Princeton biotech executive John Crowley, who was testing the political waters. "From all the appearances, he was going to be a candidate for something statewide," said Keith Davis, chairman of the Atlantic County Republican...
John Crowley announced today he will return to his role as CEO of biotech company Amicus Therapeutics.TRENTON — Three years ago during the Republican National Convention in Minnesota, some New Jersey delegates took a cruise on the Mississippi River hosted by Princeton biotech executive John Crowley, who was testing the political waters.
"From all the appearances, he was going to be a candidate for something statewide," said Keith Davis, chairman of the Atlantic County Republican Party. "He was making the right moves."
But Crowley, widely considered a top GOP prospect to challenge U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) next year, defied expectations today by announcing he won’t run.
Citing family and work obligations, Crowley said in a statement that "while I deeply appreciate the very thoughtful and outreach from so many people who have encouraged me to seek political office in 2012 here in New Jersey, I want to let you know that I will not be a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2012."
In a press release, Amicus Therapeutics announced that Crowley — who stepped back from a time-consuming role with the company two months ago to focus on "public policy, civic service and philanthropic endeavors" — will be returning as CEO in August when he finishes his deployment with the Naval Reserve.
Crowley friend and political advisor, Bill Spadea said Crowley needed to focus on his family, his business and his military obligation. "He’s still so involved in those three aspects of his life, that there wasn’t room for something else," he said.
Crowley’s compelling life story led many to believe he would give Republicans the best chance at winning the party’s first U.S. Senate election since 1972. He left his job at a pharmaceutical company to seek a cure for two of his children’s rare genetic disorder, founding several biotech companies and eventually coming up with a treatment. His story was the basis for the film "Extraordinary Measures," in which Brendan Fraser played Crowley.
But he was not alone in the field of potential candidates.
State Sen. Joseph Kyrillos (R-Monmouth), a close friend of Gov. Chris Christie who has a long history in the state Republican Party, has formed an exploratory committee to look at a run.
Spadea said neither Christie nor his advisors encouraged or discouraged Crowley from running. "This was a personal life decision, not a political decision," he said.
But politics watchers say Kyrillos’s relationship with Christie would give any other candidate pause.
"It would not be lost on anybody in their own calculations that Joe Kyrillos, someone who is pretty well-established and has a lot of relationships — certainly relationship with this governor that is second to none — would have to figure into your calculus," said Tom Wilson, a lobbyist and former Republican state chairman.
Also considering a run for the seat are state Sen. Michael Doherty (R-Warren), one of the most conservative lawmakers in the state, and Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr. (R-Union), who lost to Menendez in 2006.
Several top Republicans said Crowley didn’t seem to be laying the groundwork for a Senate run.
"Over the last six months, I have not seen the type of activity from John Crowley that I would expect from someone interested in a statewide race," said William Palatucci, a friend and adviser to Christie.
By Matt Friedman and Chris Megerian/Statehouse Bureau
Previous coverage:
• Possible Republican U.S. Senate hopeful returns to role as biotech CEO
• The Auditor: Someone is taking early aim at a possible U.S. Senate contender
• Ex-biotech chief John Crowley does not confirm U.S. Senate bid
• N.J. biotech chief, U.S. Senate hopeful shifts role in company to devote time to public policy