Former University professor among GOP Senate candidates

New Jersey law allows candidates to name their own replacements by forming a “committee on vacancies.” When Republican Andrew Unanue, a declared candidate, decided to exit the race, his committee chose Zimmer to replace Unanue on the ballot.

Joseph Pennacchio, a third Republican challenger, however, is calling foul play, saying that Unanue’s candidacy was simply meant to act as a placeholder until the New Jersey Republican Party chose its preferred candidate.

“We are challenging the certification of Andy Unanue’s petition,” Dan Gallic, Pennacchio’s campaign manager, said in an e-mail.

Pennacchio’s campaign has filed a complaint, citing the specific timing of Zimmer’s involvement in the race as suspicious.

Zimmer said that on April 7, the chair of the New Jersey Republican Party asked Zimmer to consider joining the Senate race. That same day, Unanue filed his official candidacy.

Zimmer agreed to run, and when Unanue withdrew his candidacy four days later citing his desire to take advantage of new business opportunities, Zimmer became an official candidate.

Pennacchio said Zimmer was one of 23 candidates being considered when reports of Unanue’s dropping out surfaced. Zimmer said that he was unaware that state Republicans were considering 23 candidates at the time.

The complexity of the current race has historical significance, Murray Sabrin, another Republican candidate, said. “[It is] something that will be written about.”

Though Sabrin did not state his position on the controversy, he did express concern about Unanue’s approach. “[He did not] even come to the state to campaign,” Sabrin noted.

“It’s quite disorienting, in a good way,” Zimmer said of being asked to run. “I’m having a blast.”

Zimmer represented the 12th District of New Jersey — which includes both Princeton Borough and Princeton Township — as a congressman from 1991 to 1997. After his term ended, Zimmer co-taught two graduate courses at the Wilson School, one on domestic politics with professor Doug Arnold and one on race, class and politics with former professor Carol Swain.

“Sometimes students would call me professor, but I never considered myself that,” Zimmer said of his time at the University. “I was lucky enough to be in a class with bright students.”