Representative Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey has been absent from public view for almost three months. Concerns about his disappearance arose, beginning in March, when a political website reported that he had missed a week of voting in Washington. His last recorded vote in Congress was on March 5.
While missing several votes is not usually worrisome, the situation drew attention after the Easter recess. Two Republican colleagues from New Jersey revealed they were unaware of Mr. Kean’s location. Other Republican leaders expressed frustration over their unreturned messages to him. As the situation unfolded, Dan Scharfenberger, Mr. Kean’s chief of staff, told The New York Times in May, “There’s no cameras where Tom is.”
In the lead-up to a congressional primary, where Mr. Kean faces no Republican challengers, his campaign activity seems limited. He has reportedly contacted a New Jersey political journalist and Republican leaders in his district, including Joe LaBarbera, chairman of the Republican Party in Sussex County. When asked if Mr. Kean needed anything, Mr. LaBarbera quoted him saying, “Just your prayers.”
Mr. Kean’s aides have attributed his absence to a “personal medical issue,” yet they have not disclosed further details. However, they assured the public since April that he is expected to recover fully and resume his duties soon.
As the day of the congressional primary arrives, the question of Mr. Kean’s absence remains unresolved, despite efforts to uncover the cause.
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