GOP Sen. Kyrillos To Run For U.S. Senate

State Sen. Joseph Kyrillos will seek the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate to run against incumbent Democrat Robert Menendez of New Jersey.

The 51-year-old Monmouth County legislator says he converted his federal exploratory committee to a campaign account on Thursday and will formally announce his candidacy soon.

Kyrillos is a long-time friend of Gov. Chris Christie.

The 24-year veteran of the New Jersey Legislature would face a better-known and well-financed opponent if he wins the GOP primary.

Menendez, 58, served out Jon Corzine’s term in the Senate before being elected to his own full term in 2006.

 (Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)