Bateman says he won't run

State Sen. Christopher "Kip" Bateman (R., Somerset) said yesterday he would not run for U.S. Senate in the June 3 New Jersey GOP primary.

Bateman had considered running after last week's sudden withdrawal of Anne Evans Estabrook, a wealthy Spring Lake developer. Estabrook said she had suffered a minor stroke.

Her withdrawal had the Republican grapevine buzzing with suggestions for new candidates to run against contenders State Sen. Joe Pennacchio (R., Morris) and Murray Sabrin, a Ramapo College professor.

Bateman said: "The timing is not right for me. I just got elected to the state Senate, and it's late in the game."

The winner of the Republican primary will face U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D., N.J.), who is seeking reelection.