Acting N.J. Governor Bows Out of Race

[Rose Siding]

TRENTON, N.J. - Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey, who took office after his predecessor revealed a gay extramarital affair, has decided not to seek election to the post, a close adviser said Sunday.

Democratic Assemblyman John McKeon said Codey made up his mind Friday night, when he notified his family and political allies.

"I think he's at peace with it," McKeon said. "The fact he's decided not to run adds to his credibility as a stabilizing force during a tumultuous period in our political history. In my view, it was a very courageous decision."

Codey is expected to make an official announcement Monday and endorse Sen. Jon Corzine (news, bio, voting record), the only declared Democratic candidate in the race. A spokesman for Codey did not immediately return a message left by The Associated Press Sunday.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/ap/20050130/ap_on_el_gu/new_jersey_governor

[dsc]

1. That honestly is a shame

from what I read the man did a good job and would have made a decent governor. Corizine is a good Senator but has no executive government experience and only a few years total government experience. Money talked here.

[Kber]

5. He (Corzine) does have executive mgmt experience

in the private sector though. I think he'll be good.

but i agree that we seem to be loosing an honest man in NJ politics. my guess is that after his wife was trashed on local radio for admitting she had post partum depression (and has since worked with other women who suffer from depression), he decided it wasn't worth the pain to his family.

Truly too bad.

[ldf]

2. if corzine is running for governor

then mcgreevey should run for corzine's senate seat.

he still seems to be quite popular.

and all his skeletons are out of the "closet", so to speak. all he would have to do is be completely honest in his run. people would probably find it quite refreshing.

[WI_DEM]

3. even before the revelation that McGreevey was gay came out

his approval ratings as governor were not high. He had to say it mildly a tumultuous tenor as governor. I doubt he would be a very successful candidate for the Senate. I do wish, though, that he had served his full term rather than resign as governor, because resignation is often interpeted as an admission of guilt in some way, and I don't think he had anything to be ashamed of. But he decided to quit anyway. I would rather Corzine stayed in the senate as well because he is very effective there.

[dsc]

7. Yes he did have something to be ashamed of

He hired his unqualified lover to head the states Homeland Security Dept. He should be ashamed of that.

[w4rma]

8. McGreevey is a walking disaster. (nt)

[msgadget]

13. Not enough time has passed

for the corruption scandals to fade into memory. The coming out was minor in comparison but it is what people think of first when they hear his name. Odd how that worked out...

[Rowdyboy]

4. Hope this ends up with Bob Menendez in the senate......

We need his voice.

[msgadget]

6. All because the other guy has more money.

I'm neutral toward Codey but this is a disappointing development. Corzine's bigger campaign chest and personal fortune bought choice away from NJ voters. I understand they're worried that all the scandals will make them an easy target for the republicans but... It just feels wrong, especially since the very LAST thing NJ needs is more corporate influence on politics.

[w4rma]

9. Corzine is one of the best Senators we have. He'll be missed greatly.

But he'll make a fine governor, also. And since he's leaving the Senate, NJ voters will be able to pick a Senator soon.

[dsc]

10. Not exactly

There will be an appointee for two years and then they get to pick a Senator.

[w4rma]

12. Maybe. I'm not sure that's been decided yet. That's an option. (nt)

[msgadget]

11. I agree, he has been a good senator and will make a good governor, but

why do we think its okay for an election to be more influenced by money than the electorate? And, I ask that knowing how imperfect the climate is and appreciating how damaging it would be for the dems to have to have to campaign against each other in a primary, providing more fodder for the oppostion.

[w4rma]

14. Are you sure they aren't running against Corzine because of that reason?

or because they know, already, that he'd make a darn good governor and would rather spend resources on battles that aren't already won.

[msgadget]

15. That's a good question,

and the money issue would be a graceful way to bow out without having to admit to being a weak candidate. I have nothing against him(it's early yet!) but I never, ever thought Codey had the presence to win in NJ, especially after having been appointed by McGreevey.

But, what if Corzine was a rich, powerful, successful Senator and a BAD GUY? With his influence, we couldn't stop him either way.

[w4rma]

16. He'd definitely be getting a primary challenge if he were a bad guy.

I'm positive of that. But it's the progressives who are backing Corzine.

Read the first name on this list:
http://www.progressivemajority.org/leadership/

[msgadget]

18. Thanks, I'm glad to see that

I still say money and influence are only not scarey when they're on your side but will stay quiet about it until Corzine and Spitzer are sworn into their offices.

[GOPBasher]

17. I'm Corzine is running for governor, but who will run for senate

now? I don't want to lose that seat.