Former Gov. Christie Whitman last week announced campaign endorsements by her moderate GOP political action committee -- and most New Jersey Republican congressional candidates didn't make the cut.

Whitman's "It's My Party Too" vowed campaign support, contributions and volunteers to U.S. Senate candidate Tom Kean Jr.; U.S. Reps. Mike Ferguson and Rodney Frelinghuysen; and Leigh-Ann Bellew, who is running against U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, the Democrat incumbent. Eight others running for local office were supported.

The former governor's campaign for moderation did not endorse eight other Republicans running for the House this fall, including four incumbents: Frank LoBiondo, H. James Saxton, Chris Smith and E. Scott Garrett.

Heather Grizzle, the spokeswoman for the group, said Whitman did not intend to slight most of the GOP delegation. "The candidates haven't approached us," she said. "Any that are interested in our support, we would love to dialogue with."

Grizzle said Whitman endorsed Frelinghuysen, who has an easy race, because she's supported him for a long time. She said the endorsement of the anti- abortion Ferguson, who happens to represent the district where Whitman lives, isn't a surprise.

"She's absolutely not about being pro-choice exclusively," Grizzle said. "What she's saying is that there are core Republican principles: fiscal conservatism, strong national defense, engaged foreign policy, protection of the environment and respect for personal freedom."

Said GOP state Chairman Tom Wilson: "I'm certainly not upset by it."