N.J. man whose daughter inspired Megan’s Law makes bid for office

The Hamilton resident who helped convince the New Jersey Legislature to pass Megan’s Law wants to be a member of the state Senate.

Richard Kanka, who is seeking the Republican nomination in the newly redrawn 14th District, said he will bring a message of budget discipline and job growth to the campaign.

“I know many in the 14th District are concerned about the impact of budget cutting, especially the public employees who live here,” Kanka said Tuesday. “I can commit that I will be an advocate for fairness and balance between their needs and the needs of the taxpayers.”

He said the experience of convincing lawmakers to pass Megan’s Law following the 1994 rape and murder of his 7-year-old daughter would help him in the Legislature.

Megan Kanka was assaulted and killed by a previously convicted sex offender who lived across the street from the Kankas.

“Maureen and I saw how the communities came together, and I want to bring that type of togetherness into the Legislature so we can all work together to resolve as many issues as possible.”

Kanka has served on the Hamilton school board since April. He describes himself as a hard-working middle-class family guy trying to find ways to make New Jersey better.

If nominated, Kanka would challenge Democrat Linda Greenstein.