April 7, 1999
Web posted at: 6:03 p.m. EST (2303 GMT)

TRENTON, New Jersey (AllPolitics, April 7) -- New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman is expected to shed some light on her political future Thursday.

Whitman, a Republican serving her second term as the state's chief executive, is eyeing the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by three-term Sen. Frank Lautenberg, a Democrat who announced in February he would not run again in 2000.

Regarding Whitman's entry into the race, her spokeswoman, Jane O'Conner, told CNN the governor "will make her intentions known Thursday."

Even if Whitman is moving forward, her announcement may fall short of a declaration of candidacy. For example, she may opt only to establish a fund-raising committee to explore her ability to raise money for the contest.

In 1993, Whitman unseated Democratic Gov. Jim Florio to become the state's first female governor. She was re-elected in 1997, defeating Democratic challenger Jim McGreevey. Whitman's second term expires in 2002 and under state law, she is barred from seeking a third.

If Whitman, 53, pursues a Senate seat, it would be her second try. She made an unsuccessful challenge to then-incumbent Sen. Bill Bradley in 1990, but surprisingly garnered 47 percent of the vote.

A Whitman-Florio rematch is a possibility. Last Friday Florio formed his own exploratory committee for the Senate race.

Wednesday, April 7, 1999

• Clinton warns against isolating China
• Transcript: Clinton outlines China policy
• NATO airstrikes are first big test of 2000 hopefuls
• Where are the liberal doves on Kosovo?
• New Jersey governor to make Senate intentions known Thursday
• McDougal trial likely go to jury Thursday
• Gore Web site experiences privacy woes
• Traps planned for tree-toppling beaver in Washington
• Starr to testify at Senate panel
• Hate crime bill fate uncertain
• Self-employed top IRS audit targets
• Mold delays Senate day care center
• Take the check or keep working?
• Businessman charged with aiding illegal contributions to DNC
• Michigan city's mayor arrested on sexual conduct charges
• Lawmaker to introduce Internet privacy bill

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