Jon Corzine – King of the Jersey Political Swamp.
Richard Codey, New Jersey’s Acting Governor (having replaced Governor Jim McGreevey following his “resignation†and long-delayed actual departure) has announced that he will not seek election in November for a full term as Governor.
Why did Richard Codey decide not to run?
It wasn’t because he did not want to be Governor. He would like to be Governor.
It wasn’t because he did not have the ability to be Governor, because he has demonstrated that he is qualified for the job.
It wasn’t because he is unpopular, because, a recent poll shows him to be quite popular.
It wasn’t because he is a louse with a big ego and an even bigger personal agenda, because, by all accounts, Richard Codey is a good and decent man, who apparently has brought a modicum of stability to the mess that Governor McGreevey left behind.
It wasn’t because his family didn’t want him to run, because the majority of his family did want him to run.
No, it wasn’t any of those things.
Richard Codey decided not to run, because he can’t afford it.
Governor Codey conceded that there is no way that he could raise enough money between now and the June democrat primary to defeat New Jersey’s Do-Nothing U.S. Senator Jon Corzine, who has done nothing to advance his qualifications for the Governor’s job other than to say he wants it.
It is estimated that Codey would have to raise $10 million by June in order to be competitive in the primary and, even then, he would likely be outspent by four to one by Jon Corzine. Corzine, as you will recall, spent $63 million of his own money to win his U.S. Senate Seat in 2000, and he has indicated that he would be funding the primary campaign against Codey.
For the last two weeks, Senator Corzine has been wooing state and county democrat party leaders, no doubt reminding them that, over the last three years, he has donated $1.1 million to county and state democrat organizations. It is not too great a stretch to imagine that he promised them that, in exchange for their support, there would be more money on the way.
Jon Corzine, who had bought himself a Senate seat, apparently has become bored with being having only one vote in a club (exclusive though it may be) with one hundred members. Having done virtually nothing for the State of New Jersey while in the Senate, like a petulant, rich brat, he now wants a new toy – the governorship, and it’s his for the buying.
Dick Codey never had a chance.
Codey Will Not Run
The Star Ledger today is reporting that acting Gov. Codey will not seek the democratic nomination in the coming gubernatorial elections. Jim over at Parkway Reststop has some thoughts into Codey’s decision. Governor Codey conceded that there is no way…
Trackback by Jerseystyle — January 30, 2005 @ 8:08 pm
Which is worse, Governor Corzine or Senator Mendenez? Looks like we’ll get a chance to find out.
Comment by Mike Hill — January 30, 2005 @ 11:01 pm
Not This Year
Been watching the Iraq election story all day. Jim, at Parkway Rest Stop harshed my mellow with the news that Codey has decided not to run up against Corzine for New Jersey Governor.
Trackback by Sluggo Needs a Nap — January 30, 2005 @ 11:32 pm
Is it just me, or does Corzine always look befuddled? He reminds me of an out-of-touch chemistry teacher, or someone working for H&R Block. He looks like a monkey trying to have sex with a football.
If you notice, he can’t look you in the eye when he talks. He is the only politician who shows up every year at the Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade who refuses to talk to the public.A stand-offish, elitist cardboard rich-boy, Corzine somehow gets the Democratic nod, without any achievements or successes to his name. No record, no accomplishments, no personality, and without a doubt, nothing to offer to a working man or woman.
If the Republicans can’t beat this stiff, they should close up shop, and open a carwash.By the way, I don’t see how Shundler or the ultra-stiff, Doug Forrester could even win an election for dog catcher. I hope they have something better up their sleeves…
Comment by cousin gary — January 31, 2005 @ 8:02 am
Well said, Jim. I saw you said some nice things about Codey, and while it really pains me to say anything nice about a democrat, you’re probably right.
I called Corzine a human ATM over at DynamoBuzz, and then I was watching News 12 on cable TV and the reporter called Corzine the same thing. Do I see a trend here?!?!
Comment by roberto — January 31, 2005 @ 10:38 pm
Roberto,
I would not have voted for Codey, and there is no way I would even consider voting for Jon Corzine. However, with Codey as a candidate, I saw (foolishly, perhaps) an ever-so-tiny, but still discerbnable chance that there could be an election between two decent men with the focus being on issues.
So much for that.
Comment by Jim - Parkway Rest Stop — January 31, 2005 @ 10:46 pm
I was of the impression that Corzine spent the 65 large to win the primary. The total after the general was 80 million.
Comment by skippystalin — February 1, 2005 @ 11:52 am