Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. (R-Westfield) told the New Jersey Globe that he is nearing a return to work and intends to discuss publicly the health issue that has sidelined him since March. He also confirmed that he will seek re-election to a third term this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy doctors are confident that I\u2019m on the road to a full recovery,\u201d said Kean in a lengthy telephone interview this afternoon.\u00a0 \u201cI understand the need for public transparency, and I appreciate the support of my constituents.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kean, 57, said his prognosis is positive, with no expected long-term effects or chronic health complications.\u00a0 He said his medical issue would not affect his cognitive health.<\/p>\n
He also laid out a rough timetable of his return.<\/p>\n
\u201cI anticipate that in the next couple of weeks, I\u2019ll return to voting and to the campaign trail,\u201d Kean stated.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, the two-term Republican lawmaker said he is in daily touch with his congressional office and monitoring issues facing Congress and his district.<\/p>\n
Kean was also clear about his future plans.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m running,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
This is the first public statement from Kean<\/a> since April 24, although members of his staff have been issuing updates.\u00a0 It was also his first time speaking with a reporter since March.<\/p>\n Hunterdon County GOP Chairman Gabe Plumer also spoke with Kean today.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m relieved to hear from him.\u00a0 He sounds great and energized,\u201d Plumer said.\u00a0 \u201cThis should put an end to the rumor mill.\u201d<\/p>\n