Codey hints at full-term bid for governor [New Jersey]

EAST BRUNSWICK - New Jersey's next governor is already looking beyond the 14-month term he'll begin next week. Although he has yet to take office, state Senate President Richard J. Codey is contemplating whether to seek a full four-year term in next November's gubernatorial election. He'll take over Tuesday as acting governor following the resignation of Governor McGreevey over a gay sex scandal.

Addressing a state economic development conference Friday morning, Codey ended his final public speech before assuming the governorship by pointing out that U.S. Sen. Jon Corzine, D-N.J., was slated to speak to the same group later in the day. Corzine is widely expected to run for governor next year.

"I have the utmost respect for Jon as a public servant, as a friend and as a truly decent human being," Codey said. "If you see him, please tell him he's doing a great job - and if he wants to remain in Washington, that's fine with me." The crowd laughed. Speaking to reporters afterward, Codey said not to read too much into his comments.

"I haven't made up my mind," he said. "If I were to be a candidate, for me to say that just as I take office would be wrong. I'd lose credibility. I'd have to show I can govern effectively, and I have a short period to do that." Codey, a Democrat, acknowledges he probably has to decide shortly after delivering his State of the State address in January.

Later in the day Corzine danced around the issue, even declaring during his speech that he had "a very important announcement" to make - before joking that someone had left their car lights on. He told reporters he is considering running for the office. Being governor is "an attractive opportunity to serve the people of New Jersey," Corzine said.

He said the decision has nothing to do with the Nov. 2 election during which Republicans extended their control of the U.S. Senate. McGreevey stunned the state by announcing in August that he intended to resign, saying he is a "gay American" and had had a homosexual affair. Critics urged McGreevey to step down immediately, but he insisted on remaining in office until mid-November, which enabled Codey to succeed him without having a special election in which a Republican conceivably could have been elected.

In his address to the "Opportunities and Perspectives" economic development conference, Codey pledged to be accessible to the business community. "I want to assure all of you that I remain committed to ensuring that New Jersey's economy remains strong and forward-moving," he said. "Over the next 14 months, I promise you I will listen to you and I will work with you."

Corzine promised to work with Codey when the state senator becomes acting governor. During his speech, Corzine told business leaders that New Jersey needs to work on improving its education, transportation and business climates, things which can be done both in Washington and in Trenton.

This is awesome news! A Democratic primary fight between a lifer old-school NJ pol, Dick Codey, and The Billionaire, Jon Corzine, is an essential step on the road to a conservative Republican being elected governor of NJ. A scenario where Corzine coasts to the nomination while Schundler, Forrester, et al. beat each other up until June spells doom for the NJ GOP. A dream scenario: Codey either wins a primary (unlikely) or bluffs Corzine out of the race (what I think he's trying to do) because Codey bears for more of the slimey taint of the NJ Democratic Party than does Corzine. Though a raging liberal, Corzine is clean, at least by NJ standards, and would be impossible to run an anti-corrpution campaign again. The slime issue is the way to Trenton for the NJ GOP.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.