Shelley Adler Formally Enters Congressional Race

The widow of a former congressman has formally entered the race for his old House seat in New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District.

Democrat Shelley Adler announced Tuesday that she would run to represent the 3rd Congressional District, which includes towns in Burlington and Ocean counties.

The announcement is no surprise, but rather formalizes a plan she first talked about publicly nearly two months ago.

Adler is the only Democrat declared in the race. She's a lawyer and former Cherry Hill township council member.

The incumbent is Republican Jon Runyan, who was elected in 2010 by defeating Adler's husband, John, who had held the seat for one term.

John Adler, who also was a longtime state lawmaker, died last year after tissue around his heart became infected.

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