Richard Codey
Encyclopedia
Richard James Codey is an American Democratic Party
politician who served as the 53rd Governor of New Jersey
from November 2004 to January 2006. He has served in the New Jersey Senate
since 1981 and served as the President of the Senate from 2002 to January 2010. He represents the 27th Legislative District, which covers the western portions of Essex County
. Codey is currently the second most senior senator in the New Jersey Senate, after Gerald Cardinale
. His 2011 Campaign web page is at http://www.richardjcodey.com/.
in Orange
and graduated from Oratory Preparatory School
in Summit
. He went on to take over his father's job as a licensed funeral director
. When his father, Donald, became the county coroner
, Richard was drafted to help with death scene pickups. Codey remembered, "I was 14, taking bodies out of train wrecks. You grow up quick."
Codey left the funeral trade to try his hand in politics in 1973 when he was first elected to the State Assembly
, with Eldridge Hawkins
as his running mate. He served in the Assembly from 1974 to 1981. In 1981 he earned a bachelor's degree
in education from Fairleigh Dickinson University
. Codey was elected to the State Senate
that same year and has since risen through the ranks to become Senate President. He first ascended to that post in 2002 to 2010. He serves in the Senate on the Legislative Services Commission. He also has a hockey arena named in his honor, also known as South Mountain Arena in West Orange, New Jersey
.
's resignation the previous year to become head of the EPA
, Codey was one of three different Senate Presidents (along with Donald DiFrancesco
and John O. Bennett
, along with Attorney General John Farmer
) to serve as Acting Governor for the one-year period between Whitman's resignation and Jim McGreevey
's inauguration. DiFrancesco served as acting governor for all but the last week of this period, until his term as senate president ended. Farmer, Bennett and Codey then divided the last week of the term among them, with Codey serving for three days, from January 12, 2002, to January 15, 2002.
on November 15, 2004. According to the New Jersey State Constitution
at the time, in the event of a vacancy in the Governor's office, the President of the State Senate takes on the additional position of Acting Governor until the next gubernatorial election. After taking over in 2004 Codey became popular with many New Jersey residents and reportedly considered a run for a full four-year term. However, U.S. Senator
Jon Corzine
's large number of endorsements as well as his large campaign war chest, funded primarily by his great personal wealth, convinced Codey to announce officially on January 31, 2005 that he would step aside. Codey served as Governor until Corzine was sworn in on January 17, 2006 following Corzine's victory in the November 8, 2005 elections
. Some had speculated that Codey could be a possible candidate for Corzine's vacant seat in the United States Senate
, with Corzine appointing his own successor once he was sworn in as Governor. However, Codey announced on November 23, 2005 that he was not interested in the Senate seat.
With the passage on November 8, 2005, of a constitutional amendment
creating the position of Lieutenant Governor
, Codey became the last person to serve simultaneously as Governor and Senate President.
On January 9, 2006, Codey became Governor (no longer Acting Governor
) as a result of his signing legislation that provided that a person who serves as Acting Governor for a continuous period of at least 180 days will be "Governor of the State of New Jersey" for official and historical purposes. This law was made retroactive to 2001, covering both Codey's service after McGreevey's resignation and the service of Donald DiFrancesco
following the resignation of Governor Christine Todd Whitman
in 2001. This made DiFrancesco New Jersey's 51st governor and Codey the 53rd.
Codey has been an outspoken advocate of mental health
awareness and strongly favors including mental health funding in employee medical benefit packages and Medicare
. Both Codey and his wife, Mary Jo
, have spoken candidly about her past struggles with postpartum depression
. In early 2005, Codey responded in person to New Jersey 101.5
talk radio
host Craig Carton
, who jokingly criticized Mary Jo and her mental health on the air. Some argue that Codey's comments were a physical threat against the radio personality. The Governor himself admits to telling Carton during the altercation that he wished he could "take [Carton] outside", while in the presence of the six New Jersey State Police
men who were serving as his personal bodyguards. There was some speculation that this incident helped Codey decide not to run for a full term as governor. In July 2005, Codey also defended actress Brooke Shields
after she faced criticism for discussing her postpartum depression
. In December 2005, Codey appeared on Carton's radio program to help put the incident behind both of them.
Codey appointed Mary Jane Cooper to be New Jersey's first-ever Inspector General, a position created to root out waste and mismanagement in government. Codey added $7 million in new funding to agencies devoted to public accountability, per the recommendations that resulted from an audit of state ethics codes that he commissioned. In March 2005, Codey cracked down on pay to play
when he signed a law banning campaign contributions by businesses holding state contracts in several circumstances.
As governor, Codey championed a bill to ban smoking from indoor spaces in the state, more money for stem cell research, increased funding for mental health, and sports. Codey created a task force to recommend ways to end steroid abuse in high school and college sports in the state. The task force established drug testing for high school athletes on teams that play in the championship. The state will pay for the drug testing program. He also successfully negotiated for a new stadium to be constructed jointly by the New York Giants
and New York Jets
.
In December 2005, Codey announced he was not accepting a new state slogan recommended by the State Commerce Department, following a study by a marketing consultant, which was paid for by the state. He said he felt the slogan "We'll win you over" made the state seem desperate. Governor Codey openly solicited slogan suggestions from citizens and then choose five finalists, which he opened to a vote from the public. Days prior to leaving the governor's office, Codey announced the winner: New Jersey: Come See for Yourself.
Shortly before leaving office, Codey signed the first legislative moratorium on capital punishment enacted by any state in the nation. The moratorium ended with the permanent ban of capital punishment by Codey's successor, Corzine.
As Corzine attended the swearing in of Bob Menendez as a U.S. Senator on January 18, 2006, in Washington, D.C., Codey spent part of his first day as former governor as the acting governor of the state.
Codey was re-elected to the New Jersey Senate
in 2007. Codey represents the 27th Legislative District together with Assemblyman
John F. McKeon
, who is coincidentally also the mayor of West Orange
, a town in Essex County, New Jersey
, where Senator Codey's family was raised. Codey and his family lived in West Orange until 2009, when they moved to neighboring Roseland
. The other Assembly seat is occupied by Mila Jasey
, who was elected to fill the seat in November 2007 after the resignation of Mims Hackett
on September 8, 2007.
In September, 2006, during Mr. Menendez's re-election campaign for his U.S. Senate seat, it was revealed that Menendez was the subject of an ongoing federal criminal investigation. The situation closely resembles the situation faced by Robert Torricelli
in his 2002 re-election campaign, where ethical problems and declining poll numbers led to Torricelli exiting the race, to be replaced as the Democratic candidate by former senator Frank Lautenberg
. Political observers speculated that Codey could be tapped to fill the candidate's slot should Menendez decide to withdraw from the race. However, on November 7, 2006, Menendez was elected to a full term.
Codey briefly resigned as President of the Senate for one day in January 2008 in order to let retiring Sen. Bernard Kenny
of Hoboken
to serve as Senate President on his last day in office. Senator Kenny had served as Senate Majority Leader under Codey. Kenny served as Senate President from January 7 to January 8, when Senator Codey was reelected to the Senate Presidency for the next legislative session.
until after the 2009 election. Corzine resumed his duties as Governor on May 7, 2007.
.
was the 11th governor in the history of the United States to resign due to a political scandal. In August 2004, just after McGreevey announced his intention to leave the office that November, Fairleigh Dickinson University
’s PublicMind measured public views of his soon-to-be successor, Richard Codey, president of the New Jersey Senate
. In a study released on August 16 2004, FDU reported that 68% of New Jersey voters did not recognize Richard Codey’s name. Nevertheless, 30% of voters shared a favorable view of him while only 9% reported an unfavorable view.
Even two months later, in early October 2004, FDU’s poll release entitled “Richard Who?” found that, despite that Codey would soon take take over as governor from McGreevey, the name Richard Codey remained unknown to 59% of New Jersey voters. However, voters who knew him held distinctly more favorable than unfavorable views by a two to one ratio, (23%-10%).
By early January 2005, when PublicMind again conducted a statewide study in which voters were asked: “Have you heard of Richard Codey?,” the numbers showed that 35% of New Jersey voters still did not recognize Codey’s name. However, 48% had a favorable view of him compared to 7% of those who had an unfavorable view, “a formidable 7:1 ratio” said the press release.
According to the next FDU PublicMind poll released on April 13, 2005, Gov. Codey’s recognition had improved significantly since the previous August when former Gov. McGreevey announced his resignation. Five months after assuming office, four of five voters (78%) recognized his name, (a 46-point increase from August 2004). In addition, voters were twice as likely to have a favorable view (51%) as opposed to an unfavorable view (25%) of the governor, while a two-to-one ratio despite that three in five (59%) also lamented the state was “on the wrong track.”
In a study conducted by FDU PublicMind on July 21, 2005, results showed that 51% of NJ voters believed the state was moving on the wrong track. Nevertheless, their concerns about the state’s problems did not impact the image of Gov. Codey. In this same poll, voters felt more sympathetic towards Gov. Codey. Numbers indicated that half of the voters in NJ rated Codey’s performance as excellent or good. Only 8% reported that he was doing a poor job. Dr. Peter J Woolley, professor of political science and Executive Director of PublicMind commented: “That’s pretty good for New Jersey…Codey’s plain spoken approach seems to soften people’s views of the state’s problems.”
According to a PublicMind poll release from September 27, 2005, a total of 21% of NJ voters still did not recognize their incumbent governor Richard Codey. However, this was a remarkable increase in recognition from six months earlier when 35% of voters failed to recognize his name. In addition, more than half of the voters (57%) agreed that his performance could be considered “good” or “excellent.”
A few months later, a sizeable majority of NJ voters still retained a favorable view of the new governor over unfavorable. A PublicMind study released on November 22, 2005 indicated that 65% of voters shared a favorable/somewhat favorable view of Gov. Codey, over a 11% somewhat unfavorable/very unfavorable view.
As Gov. Codey prepared to leave office, making way for newly elected governor Jon Corzine
, Gov. Codey handed off a state that believed to be heading in the wrong track. In a FDU PublicMind Poll study released on January 12, 2006, it showed that 48% of the voters disagreed with the direction the state was headed. However, even though voters had a negative view of the state, they did not relate their negative opinion towards Gov. Codey. During his final days as governor, Richard Codey received distinguished approval by NJ voters. In the same poll study, numbers indicated that 68% of voters who recognized Gov. Codey had a favorable opinion of him.
Now that former Gov. Codey has been out of office for over five years, he continues to make headlines as a prospective candidate for governor. In a recent FDU PublicMind Poll release from September 27, 2011, voters were asked “If you could pick a Democrat to run against Chris Christie for governor, who would you prefer?” Richard Codey came up as the most adequate candidate at 18% among other well-known Democrats like Cory Booker
and Frank Pallone
.
In 2011, former Gov. Codey also published his autobiography entitled “Me, Governor?” a humorous autobiography in which he discusses various chapters of his life as governor of New Jersey. In a section of his book, he cites a FDU PublicMind poll study that was conducted about three years after he left office. According to the results from the poll on March 4, 2009, he was still the most popular politician in the state of New Jersey with 41% favorable over 15% unfavorable views. Woolley was quoted in the text saying, “If he could sing, he’d be a rock star.”
Richard James Codey (born November 27, 1946) is an American Democratic Party
politician who served as the 53rd Governor of New Jersey
from November 2004 to January 2006. He has served in the New Jersey Senate
since 1981 and served as the President of the Senate from 2002 to January 2010. He represents the 27th Legislative District, which covers the western portions of Essex County
. Codey is currently the second most senior senator in the New Jersey Senate, after Gerald Cardinale
. His 2011 Campaign web page is at http://www.richardjcodey.com/.
in Orange
and graduated from Oratory Preparatory School
in Summit
. He went on to take over his father's job as a licensed funeral director
. When his father, Donald, became the county coroner
, Richard was drafted to help with death scene pickups. Codey remembered, "I was 14, taking bodies out of train wrecks. You grow up quick."
Codey left the funeral trade to try his hand in politics in 1973 when he was first elected to the State Assembly
, with Eldridge Hawkins
as his running mate. He served in the Assembly from 1974 to 1981. In 1981 he earned a bachelor's degree
in education from Fairleigh Dickinson University
. Codey was elected to the State Senate
that same year and has since risen through the ranks to become Senate President. He first ascended to that post in 2002 to 2010. He serves in the Senate on the Legislative Services Commission. He also has a hockey arena named in his honor, also known as South Mountain Arena in West Orange, New Jersey
.
's resignation the previous year to become head of the EPA
, Codey was one of three different Senate Presidents (along with Donald DiFrancesco
and John O. Bennett
, along with Attorney General John Farmer
) to serve as Acting Governor for the one-year period between Whitman's resignation and Jim McGreevey
's inauguration. DiFrancesco served as acting governor for all but the last week of this period, until his term as senate president ended. Farmer, Bennett and Codey then divided the last week of the term among them, with Codey serving for three days, from January 12, 2002, to January 15, 2002.
on November 15, 2004. According to the New Jersey State Constitution
at the time, in the event of a vacancy in the Governor's office, the President of the State Senate takes on the additional position of Acting Governor until the next gubernatorial election. After taking over in 2004 Codey became popular with many New Jersey residents and reportedly considered a run for a full four-year term. However, U.S. Senator
Jon Corzine
's large number of endorsements as well as his large campaign war chest, funded primarily by his great personal wealth, convinced Codey to announce officially on January 31, 2005 that he would step aside. Codey served as Governor until Corzine was sworn in on January 17, 2006 following Corzine's victory in the November 8, 2005 elections
. Some had speculated that Codey could be a possible candidate for Corzine's vacant seat in the United States Senate
, with Corzine appointing his own successor once he was sworn in as Governor. However, Codey announced on November 23, 2005 that he was not interested in the Senate seat.
With the passage on November 8, 2005, of a constitutional amendment
creating the position of Lieutenant Governor
, Codey became the last person to serve simultaneously as Governor and Senate President.
On January 9, 2006, Codey became Governor (no longer Acting Governor
) as a result of his signing legislation that provided that a person who serves as Acting Governor for a continuous period of at least 180 days will be "Governor of the State of New Jersey" for official and historical purposes. This law was made retroactive to 2001, covering both Codey's service after McGreevey's resignation and the service of Donald DiFrancesco
following the resignation of Governor Christine Todd Whitman
in 2001. This made DiFrancesco New Jersey's 51st governor and Codey the 53rd.
Codey has been an outspoken advocate of mental health
awareness and strongly favors including mental health funding in employee medical benefit packages and Medicare
. Both Codey and his wife, Mary Jo
, have spoken candidly about her past struggles with postpartum depression
. In early 2005, Codey responded in person to New Jersey 101.5
talk radio
host Craig Carton
, who jokingly criticized Mary Jo and her mental health on the air. Some argue that Codey's comments were a physical threat against the radio personality. The Governor himself admits to telling Carton during the altercation that he wished he could "take [Carton] outside", while in the presence of the six New Jersey State Police
men who were serving as his personal bodyguards. There was some speculation that this incident helped Codey decide not to run for a full term as governor. In July 2005, Codey also defended actress Brooke Shields
after she faced criticism for discussing her postpartum depression
. In December 2005, Codey appeared on Carton's radio program to help put the incident behind both of them.
Codey appointed Mary Jane Cooper to be New Jersey's first-ever Inspector General, a position created to root out waste and mismanagement in government. Codey added $7 million in new funding to agencies devoted to public accountability, per the recommendations that resulted from an audit of state ethics codes that he commissioned. In March 2005, Codey cracked down on pay to play
when he signed a law banning campaign contributions by businesses holding state contracts in several circumstances.
As governor, Codey championed a bill to ban smoking from indoor spaces in the state, more money for stem cell research, increased funding for mental health, and sports. Codey created a task force to recommend ways to end steroid abuse in high school and college sports in the state. The task force established drug testing for high school athletes on teams that play in the championship. The state will pay for the drug testing program. He also successfully negotiated for a new stadium to be constructed jointly by the New York Giants
and New York Jets
.
In December 2005, Codey announced he was not accepting a new state slogan recommended by the State Commerce Department, following a study by a marketing consultant, which was paid for by the state. He said he felt the slogan "We'll win you over" made the state seem desperate. Governor Codey openly solicited slogan suggestions from citizens and then choose five finalists, which he opened to a vote from the public. Days prior to leaving the governor's office, Codey announced the winner: New Jersey: Come See for Yourself.
Shortly before leaving office, Codey signed the first legislative moratorium on capital punishment enacted by any state in the nation. The moratorium ended with the permanent ban of capital punishment by Codey's successor, Corzine.
As Corzine attended the swearing in of Bob Menendez as a U.S. Senator on January 18, 2006, in Washington, D.C., Codey spent part of his first day as former governor as the acting governor of the state.
Codey was re-elected to the New Jersey Senate
in 2007. Codey represents the 27th Legislative District together with Assemblyman
John F. McKeon
, who is coincidentally also the mayor of West Orange
, a town in Essex County, New Jersey
, where Senator Codey's family was raised. Codey and his family lived in West Orange until 2009, when they moved to neighboring Roseland
. The other Assembly seat is occupied by Mila Jasey
, who was elected to fill the seat in November 2007 after the resignation of Mims Hackett
on September 8, 2007.
In September, 2006, during Mr. Menendez's re-election campaign for his U.S. Senate seat, it was revealed that Menendez was the subject of an ongoing federal criminal investigation. The situation closely resembles the situation faced by Robert Torricelli
in his 2002 re-election campaign, where ethical problems and declining poll numbers led to Torricelli exiting the race, to be replaced as the Democratic candidate by former senator Frank Lautenberg
. Political observers speculated that Codey could be tapped to fill the candidate's slot should Menendez decide to withdraw from the race. However, on November 7, 2006, Menendez was elected to a full term.
Codey briefly resigned as President of the Senate for one day in January 2008 in order to let retiring Sen. Bernard Kenny
of Hoboken
to serve as Senate President on his last day in office. Senator Kenny had served as Senate Majority Leader under Codey. Kenny served as Senate President from January 7 to January 8, when Senator Codey was reelected to the Senate Presidency for the next legislative session.
until after the 2009 election. Corzine resumed his duties as Governor on May 7, 2007.
.
was the 11th governor in the history of the United States to resign due to a political scandal. In August 2004, just after McGreevey announced his intention to leave the office that November, Fairleigh Dickinson University
’s PublicMind measured public views of his soon-to-be successor, Richard Codey, president of the New Jersey Senate
. In a study released on August 16 2004, FDU reported that 68% of New Jersey voters did not recognize Richard Codey’s name. Nevertheless, 30% of voters shared a favorable view of him while only 9% reported an unfavorable view.
Even two months later, in early October 2004, FDU’s poll release entitled “Richard Who?” found that, despite that Codey would soon take take over as governor from McGreevey, the name Richard Codey remained unknown to 59% of New Jersey voters. However, voters who knew him held distinctly more favorable than unfavorable views by a two to one ratio, (23%-10%).
By early January 2005, when PublicMind again conducted a statewide study in which voters were asked: “Have you heard of Richard Codey?,” the numbers showed that 35% of New Jersey voters still did not recognize Codey’s name. However, 48% had a favorable view of him compared to 7% of those who had an unfavorable view, “a formidable 7:1 ratio” said the press release.
According to the next FDU PublicMind poll released on April 13, 2005, Gov. Codey’s recognition had improved significantly since the previous August when former Gov. McGreevey announced his resignation. Five months after assuming office, four of five voters (78%) recognized his name, (a 46-point increase from August 2004). In addition, voters were twice as likely to have a favorable view (51%) as opposed to an unfavorable view (25%) of the governor, while a two-to-one ratio despite that three in five (59%) also lamented the state was “on the wrong track.”
In a study conducted by FDU PublicMind on July 21, 2005, results showed that 51% of NJ voters believed the state was moving on the wrong track. Nevertheless, their concerns about the state’s problems did not impact the image of Gov. Codey. In this same poll, voters felt more sympathetic towards Gov. Codey. Numbers indicated that half of the voters in NJ rated Codey’s performance as excellent or good. Only 8% reported that he was doing a poor job. Dr. Peter J Woolley, professor of political science and Executive Director of PublicMind commented: “That’s pretty good for New Jersey…Codey’s plain spoken approach seems to soften people’s views of the state’s problems.”
According to a PublicMind poll release from September 27, 2005, a total of 21% of NJ voters still did not recognize their incumbent governor Richard Codey. However, this was a remarkable increase in recognition from six months earlier when 35% of voters failed to recognize his name. In addition, more than half of the voters (57%) agreed that his performance could be considered “good” or “excellent.”
A few months later, a sizeable majority of NJ voters still retained a favorable view of the new governor over unfavorable. A PublicMind study released on November 22, 2005 indicated that 65% of voters shared a favorable/somewhat favorable view of Gov. Codey, over a 11% somewhat unfavorable/very unfavorable view.
As Gov. Codey prepared to leave office, making way for newly elected governor Jon Corzine
, Gov. Codey handed off a state that believed to be heading in the wrong track. In a FDU PublicMind Poll study released on January 12, 2006, it showed that 48% of the voters disagreed with the direction the state was headed. However, even though voters had a negative view of the state, they did not relate their negative opinion towards Gov. Codey. During his final days as governor, Richard Codey received distinguished approval by NJ voters. In the same poll study, numbers indicated that 68% of voters who recognized Gov. Codey had a favorable opinion of him.
Now that former Gov. Codey has been out of office for over five years, he continues to make headlines as a prospective candidate for governor. In a recent FDU PublicMind Poll release from September 27, 2011, voters were asked “If you could pick a Democrat to run against Chris Christie for governor, who would you prefer?” Richard Codey came up as the most adequate candidate at 18% among other well-known Democrats like Cory Booker
and Frank Pallone
.
In 2011, former Gov. Codey also published his autobiography entitled “Me, Governor?” a humorous autobiography in which he discusses various chapters of his life as governor of New Jersey. In a section of his book, he cites a FDU PublicMind poll study that was conducted about three years after he left office. According to the results from the poll on March 4, 2009, he was still the most popular politician in the state of New Jersey with 41% favorable over 15% unfavorable views. Woolley was quoted in the text saying, “If he could sing, he’d be a rock star.”
Richard James Codey (born November 27, 1946) is an American Democratic Party
politician who served as the 53rd Governor of New Jersey
from November 2004 to January 2006. He has served in the New Jersey Senate
since 1981 and served as the President of the Senate from 2002 to January 2010. He represents the 27th Legislative District, which covers the western portions of Essex County
. Codey is currently the second most senior senator in the New Jersey Senate, after Gerald Cardinale
. His 2011 Campaign web page is at http://www.richardjcodey.com/.
in Orange
and graduated from Oratory Preparatory School
in Summit
. He went on to take over his father's job as a licensed funeral director
. When his father, Donald, became the county coroner
, Richard was drafted to help with death scene pickups. Codey remembered, "I was 14, taking bodies out of train wrecks. You grow up quick."
Codey left the funeral trade to try his hand in politics in 1973 when he was first elected to the State Assembly
, with Eldridge Hawkins
as his running mate. He served in the Assembly from 1974 to 1981. In 1981 he earned a bachelor's degree
in education from Fairleigh Dickinson University
. Codey was elected to the State Senate
that same year and has since risen through the ranks to become Senate President. He first ascended to that post in 2002 to 2010. He serves in the Senate on the Legislative Services Commission. He also has a hockey arena named in his honor, also known as South Mountain Arena in West Orange, New Jersey
.
's resignation the previous year to become head of the EPA
, Codey was one of three different Senate Presidents (along with Donald DiFrancesco
and John O. Bennett
, along with Attorney General John Farmer
) to serve as Acting Governor for the one-year period between Whitman's resignation and Jim McGreevey
's inauguration. DiFrancesco served as acting governor for all but the last week of this period, until his term as senate president ended. Farmer, Bennett and Codey then divided the last week of the term among them, with Codey serving for three days, from January 12, 2002, to January 15, 2002.
on November 15, 2004. According to the New Jersey State Constitution
at the time, in the event of a vacancy in the Governor's office, the President of the State Senate takes on the additional position of Acting Governor until the next gubernatorial election. After taking over in 2004 Codey became popular with many New Jersey residents and reportedly considered a run for a full four-year term. However, U.S. Senator
Jon Corzine
's large number of endorsements as well as his large campaign war chest, funded primarily by his great personal wealth, convinced Codey to announce officially on January 31, 2005 that he would step aside. Codey served as Governor until Corzine was sworn in on January 17, 2006 following Corzine's victory in the November 8, 2005 elections
. Some had speculated that Codey could be a possible candidate for Corzine's vacant seat in the United States Senate
, with Corzine appointing his own successor once he was sworn in as Governor. However, Codey announced on November 23, 2005 that he was not interested in the Senate seat.
With the passage on November 8, 2005, of a constitutional amendment
creating the position of Lieutenant Governor
, Codey became the last person to serve simultaneously as Governor and Senate President.
On January 9, 2006, Codey became Governor (no longer Acting Governor
) as a result of his signing legislation that provided that a person who serves as Acting Governor for a continuous period of at least 180 days will be "Governor of the State of New Jersey" for official and historical purposes. This law was made retroactive to 2001, covering both Codey's service after McGreevey's resignation and the service of Donald DiFrancesco
following the resignation of Governor Christine Todd Whitman
in 2001. This made DiFrancesco New Jersey's 51st governor and Codey the 53rd.
Codey has been an outspoken advocate of mental health
awareness and strongly favors including mental health funding in employee medical benefit packages and Medicare
. Both Codey and his wife, Mary Jo
, have spoken candidly about her past struggles with postpartum depression
. In early 2005, Codey responded in person to New Jersey 101.5
talk radio
host Craig Carton
, who jokingly criticized Mary Jo and her mental health on the air. Some argue that Codey's comments were a physical threat against the radio personality. The Governor himself admits to telling Carton during the altercation that he wished he could "take [Carton] outside", while in the presence of the six New Jersey State Police
men who were serving as his personal bodyguards. There was some speculation that this incident helped Codey decide not to run for a full term as governor. In July 2005, Codey also defended actress Brooke Shields
after she faced criticism for discussing her postpartum depression
. In December 2005, Codey appeared on Carton's radio program to help put the incident behind both of them.
Codey appointed Mary Jane Cooper to be New Jersey's first-ever Inspector General, a position created to root out waste and mismanagement in government. Codey added $7 million in new funding to agencies devoted to public accountability, per the recommendations that resulted from an audit of state ethics codes that he commissioned. In March 2005, Codey cracked down on pay to play
when he signed a law banning campaign contributions by businesses holding state contracts in several circumstances.
As governor, Codey championed a bill to ban smoking from indoor spaces in the state, more money for stem cell research, increased funding for mental health, and sports. Codey created a task force to recommend ways to end steroid abuse in high school and college sports in the state. The task force established drug testing for high school athletes on teams that play in the championship. The state will pay for the drug testing program. He also successfully negotiated for a new stadium to be constructed jointly by the New York Giants
and New York Jets
.
In December 2005, Codey announced he was not accepting a new state slogan recommended by the State Commerce Department, following a study by a marketing consultant, which was paid for by the state. He said he felt the slogan "We'll win you over" made the state seem desperate. Governor Codey openly solicited slogan suggestions from citizens and then choose five finalists, which he opened to a vote from the public. Days prior to leaving the governor's office, Codey announced the winner: New Jersey: Come See for Yourself.
Shortly before leaving office, Codey signed the first legislative moratorium on capital punishment enacted by any state in the nation. The moratorium ended with the permanent ban of capital punishment by Codey's successor, Corzine.
As Corzine attended the swearing in of Bob Menendez as a U.S. Senator on January 18, 2006, in Washington, D.C., Codey spent part of his first day as former governor as the acting governor of the state.
Codey was re-elected to the New Jersey Senate
in 2007. Codey represents the 27th Legislative District together with Assemblyman
John F. McKeon
, who is coincidentally also the mayor of West Orange
, a town in Essex County, New Jersey
, where Senator Codey's family was raised. Codey and his family lived in West Orange until 2009, when they moved to neighboring Roseland
. The other Assembly seat is occupied by Mila Jasey
, who was elected to fill the seat in November 2007 after the resignation of Mims Hackett
on September 8, 2007.
In September, 2006, during Mr. Menendez's re-election campaign for his U.S. Senate seat, it was revealed that Menendez was the subject of an ongoing federal criminal investigation. The situation closely resembles the situation faced by Robert Torricelli
in his 2002 re-election campaign, where ethical problems and declining poll numbers led to Torricelli exiting the race, to be replaced as the Democratic candidate by former senator Frank Lautenberg
. Political observers speculated that Codey could be tapped to fill the candidate's slot should Menendez decide to withdraw from the race. However, on November 7, 2006, Menendez was elected to a full term.
Codey briefly resigned as President of the Senate for one day in January 2008 in order to let retiring Sen. Bernard Kenny
of Hoboken
to serve as Senate President on his last day in office. Senator Kenny had served as Senate Majority Leader under Codey. Kenny served as Senate President from January 7 to January 8, when Senator Codey was reelected to the Senate Presidency for the next legislative session.
until after the 2009 election. Corzine resumed his duties as Governor on May 7, 2007.
.
was the 11th governor in the history of the United States to resign due to a political scandal. In August 2004, just after McGreevey announced his intention to leave the office that November, Fairleigh Dickinson University
’s PublicMind measured public views of his soon-to-be successor, Richard Codey, president of the New Jersey Senate
. In a study released on August 16 2004, FDU reported that 68% of New Jersey voters did not recognize Richard Codey’s name. Nevertheless, 30% of voters shared a favorable view of him while only 9% reported an unfavorable view.
Even two months later, in early October 2004, FDU’s poll release entitled “Richard Who?” found that, despite that Codey would soon take take over as governor from McGreevey, the name Richard Codey remained unknown to 59% of New Jersey voters. However, voters who knew him held distinctly more favorable than unfavorable views by a two to one ratio, (23%-10%).
By early January 2005, when PublicMind again conducted a statewide study in which voters were asked: “Have you heard of Richard Codey?,” the numbers showed that 35% of New Jersey voters still did not recognize Codey’s name. However, 48% had a favorable view of him compared to 7% of those who had an unfavorable view, “a formidable 7:1 ratio” said the press release.
According to the next FDU PublicMind poll released on April 13, 2005, Gov. Codey’s recognition had improved significantly since the previous August when former Gov. McGreevey announced his resignation. Five months after assuming office, four of five voters (78%) recognized his name, (a 46-point increase from August 2004). In addition, voters were twice as likely to have a favorable view (51%) as opposed to an unfavorable view (25%) of the governor, while a two-to-one ratio despite that three in five (59%) also lamented the state was “on the wrong track.”
In a study conducted by FDU PublicMind on July 21, 2005, results showed that 51% of NJ voters believed the state was moving on the wrong track. Nevertheless, their concerns about the state’s problems did not impact the image of Gov. Codey. In this same poll, voters felt more sympathetic towards Gov. Codey. Numbers indicated that half of the voters in NJ rated Codey’s performance as excellent or good. Only 8% reported that he was doing a poor job. Dr. Peter J Woolley, professor of political science and Executive Director of PublicMind commented: “That’s pretty good for New Jersey…Codey’s plain spoken approach seems to soften people’s views of the state’s problems.”
According to a PublicMind poll release from September 27, 2005, a total of 21% of NJ voters still did not recognize their incumbent governor Richard Codey. However, this was a remarkable increase in recognition from six months earlier when 35% of voters failed to recognize his name. In addition, more than half of the voters (57%) agreed that his performance could be considered “good” or “excellent.”
A few months later, a sizeable majority of NJ voters still retained a favorable view of the new governor over unfavorable. A PublicMind study released on November 22, 2005 indicated that 65% of voters shared a favorable/somewhat favorable view of Gov. Codey, over a 11% somewhat unfavorable/very unfavorable view.
As Gov. Codey prepared to leave office, making way for newly elected governor Jon Corzine
, Gov. Codey handed off a state that believed to be heading in the wrong track. In a FDU PublicMind Poll study released on January 12, 2006, it showed that 48% of the voters disagreed with the direction the state was headed. However, even though voters had a negative view of the state, they did not relate their negative opinion towards Gov. Codey. During his final days as governor, Richard Codey received distinguished approval by NJ voters. In the same poll study, numbers indicated that 68% of voters who recognized Gov. Codey had a favorable opinion of him.
Now that former Gov. Codey has been out of office for over five years, he continues to make headlines as a prospective candidate for governor. In a recent FDU PublicMind Poll release from September 27, 2011, voters were asked “If you could pick a Democrat to run against Chris Christie for governor, who would you prefer?” Richard Codey came up as the most adequate candidate at 18% among other well-known Democrats like Cory Booker
and Frank Pallone
.
In 2011, former Gov. Codey also published his autobiography entitled “Me, Governor?” a humorous autobiography in which he discusses various chapters of his life as governor of New Jersey. In a section of his book, he cites a FDU PublicMind poll study that was conducted about three years after he left office. According to the results from the poll on March 4, 2009, he was still the most popular politician in the state of New Jersey with 41% favorable over 15% unfavorable views. Woolley was quoted in the text saying, “If he could sing, he’d be a rock star.”
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
politician who served as the 53rd Governor of New Jersey
Governor of New Jersey
The Office of the Governor of New Jersey is the executive branch for the U.S. state of New Jersey. The office of Governor is an elected position, for which elected officials serve four year terms. While individual politicians may serve as many terms as they can be elected to, Governors cannot be...
from November 2004 to January 2006. He has served in the New Jersey Senate
New Jersey Senate
The New Jersey Senate was established as the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature by the Constitution of 1844, replacing the Legislative Council. From 1844 until 1965 New Jersey's counties elected one Senator, each. Under the 1844 Constitution the term of office was three years. The 1947...
since 1981 and served as the President of the Senate from 2002 to January 2010. He represents the 27th Legislative District, which covers the western portions of Essex County
Essex County, New Jersey
Essex County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the United States 2010 Census, the population was 783,969, ranking it third in the state after Bergen County and Middlesex County; Essex County's population has declined from 786,147 as of the bureau's...
. Codey is currently the second most senior senator in the New Jersey Senate, after Gerald Cardinale
Gerald Cardinale
Gerald Cardinale is an American Republican Party politician, who has served in the New Jersey State Senate since 1982, where he represents the 39th Legislative District...
. His 2011 Campaign web page is at http://www.richardjcodey.com/.
Biography
Codey grew up in his family's funeral homeFuneral home
A funeral home, funeral parlor or mortuary, is a business that provides burial and funeral services for the deceased and their families. These services may include aprepared wake and funeral, and the provision of a chapel for the funeral....
in Orange
Orange, New Jersey
The City of Orange is a city and township in Essex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 30,134...
and graduated from Oratory Preparatory School
Oratory Preparatory School
Oratory Preparatory School, commonly known as Oratory Prep, is a Roman Catholic college preparatory day school for boys in grades 7-12, located in Summit, New Jersey, United States, approximately west of Manhattan...
in Summit
Summit, New Jersey
Summit is a city in Union County, New Jersey, United States. At the 2010 United States Census, the city's population was 21,457. Summit had the 16th-highest per capita income in the state as of the 2000 Census....
. He went on to take over his father's job as a licensed funeral director
Funeral director
A funeral director , also known as a mortician or undertaker, is a professional involved in the business of funeral rites. These tasks often entail the embalming and burial or cremation of the dead, as well as the planning and arrangement of the actual funeral ceremony...
. When his father, Donald, became the county coroner
Coroner
A coroner is a government official who* Investigates human deaths* Determines cause of death* Issues death certificates* Maintains death records* Responds to deaths in mass disasters* Identifies unknown dead* Other functions depending on local laws...
, Richard was drafted to help with death scene pickups. Codey remembered, "I was 14, taking bodies out of train wrecks. You grow up quick."
Codey left the funeral trade to try his hand in politics in 1973 when he was first elected to the State Assembly
New Jersey General Assembly
The New Jersey General Assembly is the lower house of the New Jersey Legislature.Since the election of 1967 , the Assembly has consisted of 80 members. Two members are elected from each of New Jersey's 40 legislative districts for a term of two years, each representing districts with average...
, with Eldridge Hawkins
Eldridge Hawkins
Eldridge Hawkins was an American lawyer and Democratic Party politician who served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1972 to 1978....
as his running mate. He served in the Assembly from 1974 to 1981. In 1981 he earned a bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
in education from Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private university founded as a junior college in 1942. It now has several campuses located in New Jersey, Canada, and the United Kingdom.-Description:...
. Codey was elected to the State Senate
New Jersey Senate
The New Jersey Senate was established as the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature by the Constitution of 1844, replacing the Legislative Council. From 1844 until 1965 New Jersey's counties elected one Senator, each. Under the 1844 Constitution the term of office was three years. The 1947...
that same year and has since risen through the ranks to become Senate President. He first ascended to that post in 2002 to 2010. He serves in the Senate on the Legislative Services Commission. He also has a hockey arena named in his honor, also known as South Mountain Arena in West Orange, New Jersey
West Orange, New Jersey
West Orange is a township in central Essex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 46,207...
.
Acting gubernatorial service 2002
Following Governor Christine Todd WhitmanChristine Todd Whitman
Christine Todd "Christie" Whitman is an American Republican politician and author who served as the 50th Governor of New Jersey from 1994 to 2001, and was the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in the administration of President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2003. She was New...
's resignation the previous year to become head of the EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress...
, Codey was one of three different Senate Presidents (along with Donald DiFrancesco
Donald DiFrancesco
Donald Thomas DiFrancesco was the 51st Governor of New Jersey from 2001 to 2002 by virtue of his status as President of the New Jersey Senate, the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature....
and John O. Bennett
John O. Bennett
John O. Bennett III is a former New Jersey Republican politician who served as State Senator, President of the State Senate, and Acting Governor of New Jersey during the course of his career.-Education:...
, along with Attorney General John Farmer
John Farmer Jr.
John J. Farmer, Jr. is an American lawyer, politician and jurist. Since 2009, Farmer has been Dean of Rutgers School of Law-Newark. He served as Acting Governor of New Jersey for 90 minutes on January 8, 2002, by virtue of his status as New Jersey Attorney General.-Early Life and Career :Farmer...
) to serve as Acting Governor for the one-year period between Whitman's resignation and Jim McGreevey
Jim McGreevey
James Edward "Jim" McGreevey is an American Democratic politician. He served as the 52nd Governor of New Jersey from January 15, 2002, until he resigned from office at 11:59 pm on November 15, 2004. His term was set to expire on January 17, 2006...
's inauguration. DiFrancesco served as acting governor for all but the last week of this period, until his term as senate president ended. Farmer, Bennett and Codey then divided the last week of the term among them, with Codey serving for three days, from January 12, 2002, to January 15, 2002.
Gubernatorial service 2004–2006
Codey became Acting Governor again with the resignation of Jim McGreeveyJim McGreevey
James Edward "Jim" McGreevey is an American Democratic politician. He served as the 52nd Governor of New Jersey from January 15, 2002, until he resigned from office at 11:59 pm on November 15, 2004. His term was set to expire on January 17, 2006...
on November 15, 2004. According to the New Jersey State Constitution
New Jersey State Constitution
The Constitution of the State of New Jersey is the basic governing document of the State of New Jersey. In addition to three British Royal Charters issued for East Jersey, West Jersey and united New Jersey while they were still colonies, the state has been governed by three constitutions...
at the time, in the event of a vacancy in the Governor's office, the President of the State Senate takes on the additional position of Acting Governor until the next gubernatorial election. After taking over in 2004 Codey became popular with many New Jersey residents and reportedly considered a run for a full four-year term. However, U.S. Senator
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
Jon Corzine
Jon Corzine
Jon Stevens Corzine is the former CEO of Goldman Sachs and of MF Global, and a one time American politician, who served as the 54th Governor of New Jersey from 2006 to 2010. A Democrat, Corzine served five years of a six-year U.S. Senate term representing New Jersey before being elected Governor...
's large number of endorsements as well as his large campaign war chest, funded primarily by his great personal wealth, convinced Codey to announce officially on January 31, 2005 that he would step aside. Codey served as Governor until Corzine was sworn in on January 17, 2006 following Corzine's victory in the November 8, 2005 elections
New Jersey gubernatorial election, 2005
The New Jersey gubernatorial election of 2005 was a race for the Governor of New Jersey. It was held on November 8, 2005. Incumbent Democratic Governor Richard Codey, who replaced Governor Jim McGreevey in 2004 after his resignation, did not run for election for a full term of office.The primary...
. Some had speculated that Codey could be a possible candidate for Corzine's vacant seat in the United States Senate
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
, with Corzine appointing his own successor once he was sworn in as Governor. However, Codey announced on November 23, 2005 that he was not interested in the Senate seat.
With the passage on November 8, 2005, of a constitutional amendment
Constitutional amendment
A constitutional amendment is a formal change to the text of the written constitution of a nation or state.Most constitutions require that amendments cannot be enacted unless they have passed a special procedure that is more stringent than that required of ordinary legislation...
creating the position of Lieutenant Governor
Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey
The Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is a position that has existed since January 2010, following conjoint election with the Governor of New Jersey. The position was created as the result of a Constitutional amendment to the New Jersey State Constitution passed by the voters on November 8, 2005...
, Codey became the last person to serve simultaneously as Governor and Senate President.
On January 9, 2006, Codey became Governor (no longer Acting Governor
Acting governor
An acting governor is a constitutional position created in some U.S. states when the governor dies in office or resigns. In some states, the governor may also be declared to be incapacitated and unable to function for various reasons, including illness and absence from the state for more than a...
) as a result of his signing legislation that provided that a person who serves as Acting Governor for a continuous period of at least 180 days will be "Governor of the State of New Jersey" for official and historical purposes. This law was made retroactive to 2001, covering both Codey's service after McGreevey's resignation and the service of Donald DiFrancesco
Donald DiFrancesco
Donald Thomas DiFrancesco was the 51st Governor of New Jersey from 2001 to 2002 by virtue of his status as President of the New Jersey Senate, the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature....
following the resignation of Governor Christine Todd Whitman
Christine Todd Whitman
Christine Todd "Christie" Whitman is an American Republican politician and author who served as the 50th Governor of New Jersey from 1994 to 2001, and was the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in the administration of President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2003. She was New...
in 2001. This made DiFrancesco New Jersey's 51st governor and Codey the 53rd.
Codey has been an outspoken advocate of mental health
Mental health
Mental health describes either a level of cognitive or emotional well-being or an absence of a mental disorder. From perspectives of the discipline of positive psychology or holism mental health may include an individual's ability to enjoy life and procure a balance between life activities and...
awareness and strongly favors including mental health funding in employee medical benefit packages and Medicare
Medicare (United States)
Medicare is a social insurance program administered by the United States government, providing health insurance coverage to people who are aged 65 and over; to those who are under 65 and are permanently physically disabled or who have a congenital physical disability; or to those who meet other...
. Both Codey and his wife, Mary Jo
Mary Jo Codey
Mary Jo Codey is an American schoolteacher and former First Lady of New Jersey. She and her husband, Governor Richard Codey, served their state from November 16, 2004 to January 17, 2006....
, have spoken candidly about her past struggles with postpartum depression
Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression , also called postnatal depression, is a form of clinical depression which can affect women, and less frequently men, typically after childbirth. Studies report prevalence rates among women from 5% to 25%, but methodological differences among the studies make the actual...
. In early 2005, Codey responded in person to New Jersey 101.5
WKXW-FM
WKXW is a radio station based just outside of Trenton, New Jersey. The station is licensed to serve the Trenton area on 101.5 MHz FM and is also streamed on the station's website. It is owned by Townsquare Media...
talk radio
Talk radio
Talk radio is a radio format containing discussion about topical issues. Most shows are regularly hosted by a single individual, and often feature interviews with a number of different guests. Talk radio typically includes an element of listener participation, usually by broadcasting live...
host Craig Carton
Craig Carton
Craig Harris Carton is an American radio personality who currently co-hosts the Boomer and Carton in the Morning radio program.-Biography:...
, who jokingly criticized Mary Jo and her mental health on the air. Some argue that Codey's comments were a physical threat against the radio personality. The Governor himself admits to telling Carton during the altercation that he wished he could "take [Carton] outside", while in the presence of the six New Jersey State Police
New Jersey State Police
The New Jersey State Police is the state police force for the state of New Jersey. It is a general-powers police agency with state wide jurisdiction when requested by the Governor, designated by Troop Sectors.-History:...
men who were serving as his personal bodyguards. There was some speculation that this incident helped Codey decide not to run for a full term as governor. In July 2005, Codey also defended actress Brooke Shields
Brooke Shields
Brooke Christa Shields is an American actress and model. Some of her better-known movies include Pretty Baby and The Blue Lagoon, as well as TV shows such as Suddenly Susan, That '70s Show and Lipstick Jungle....
after she faced criticism for discussing her postpartum depression
Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression , also called postnatal depression, is a form of clinical depression which can affect women, and less frequently men, typically after childbirth. Studies report prevalence rates among women from 5% to 25%, but methodological differences among the studies make the actual...
. In December 2005, Codey appeared on Carton's radio program to help put the incident behind both of them.
Codey appointed Mary Jane Cooper to be New Jersey's first-ever Inspector General, a position created to root out waste and mismanagement in government. Codey added $7 million in new funding to agencies devoted to public accountability, per the recommendations that resulted from an audit of state ethics codes that he commissioned. In March 2005, Codey cracked down on pay to play
Pay to Play
Pay to play, sometimes pay for play, is a phrase used for a variety of situations in which money is exchanged for services or the privilege to engage in certain activities...
when he signed a law banning campaign contributions by businesses holding state contracts in several circumstances.
As governor, Codey championed a bill to ban smoking from indoor spaces in the state, more money for stem cell research, increased funding for mental health, and sports. Codey created a task force to recommend ways to end steroid abuse in high school and college sports in the state. The task force established drug testing for high school athletes on teams that play in the championship. The state will pay for the drug testing program. He also successfully negotiated for a new stadium to be constructed jointly by the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
and New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
In December 2005, Codey announced he was not accepting a new state slogan recommended by the State Commerce Department, following a study by a marketing consultant, which was paid for by the state. He said he felt the slogan "We'll win you over" made the state seem desperate. Governor Codey openly solicited slogan suggestions from citizens and then choose five finalists, which he opened to a vote from the public. Days prior to leaving the governor's office, Codey announced the winner: New Jersey: Come See for Yourself.
Shortly before leaving office, Codey signed the first legislative moratorium on capital punishment enacted by any state in the nation. The moratorium ended with the permanent ban of capital punishment by Codey's successor, Corzine.
As Corzine attended the swearing in of Bob Menendez as a U.S. Senator on January 18, 2006, in Washington, D.C., Codey spent part of his first day as former governor as the acting governor of the state.
Return to Senate service
New Jersey Senate
The New Jersey Senate was established as the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature by the Constitution of 1844, replacing the Legislative Council. From 1844 until 1965 New Jersey's counties elected one Senator, each. Under the 1844 Constitution the term of office was three years. The 1947...
in 2007. Codey represents the 27th Legislative District together with Assemblyman
New Jersey General Assembly
The New Jersey General Assembly is the lower house of the New Jersey Legislature.Since the election of 1967 , the Assembly has consisted of 80 members. Two members are elected from each of New Jersey's 40 legislative districts for a term of two years, each representing districts with average...
John F. McKeon
John F. McKeon
John F. McKeon, Jr. is an American Democratic Party politician, who has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 2002, where he represents the 27th legislative district, which covers the western portion of Essex County...
, who is coincidentally also the mayor of West Orange
West Orange, New Jersey
West Orange is a township in central Essex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 46,207...
, a town in Essex County, New Jersey
Essex County, New Jersey
Essex County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the United States 2010 Census, the population was 783,969, ranking it third in the state after Bergen County and Middlesex County; Essex County's population has declined from 786,147 as of the bureau's...
, where Senator Codey's family was raised. Codey and his family lived in West Orange until 2009, when they moved to neighboring Roseland
Roseland, New Jersey
Roseland is a borough in western Essex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 5,819...
. The other Assembly seat is occupied by Mila Jasey
Mila Jasey
Mila M. Jasey is an American Democratic Party politician from South Orange, who serves in the New Jersey General Assembly, where she represents the 27th Legislative District seat that had been vacated by Mims Hackett on September 10, 2007...
, who was elected to fill the seat in November 2007 after the resignation of Mims Hackett
Mims Hackett
Mims Hackett is an American Democratic Party politician, who served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2002-2007, where he represented 27th Legislative District, which covers the western portion of Essex County....
on September 8, 2007.
In September, 2006, during Mr. Menendez's re-election campaign for his U.S. Senate seat, it was revealed that Menendez was the subject of an ongoing federal criminal investigation. The situation closely resembles the situation faced by Robert Torricelli
Robert Torricelli
Robert Guy Torricelli , nicknamed "the Torch," is an American politician from the U.S. state of New Jersey. Torricelli, a Democrat, served 14 years in the U.S. House of Representatives before being elected to the U.S. Senate...
in his 2002 re-election campaign, where ethical problems and declining poll numbers led to Torricelli exiting the race, to be replaced as the Democratic candidate by former senator Frank Lautenberg
Frank Lautenberg
Frank Raleigh Lautenberg is the senior United States Senator from New Jersey and a member of the Democratic Party. Previously, he was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Automatic Data Processing, Inc.-Early life, career, and family:...
. Political observers speculated that Codey could be tapped to fill the candidate's slot should Menendez decide to withdraw from the race. However, on November 7, 2006, Menendez was elected to a full term.
Codey briefly resigned as President of the Senate for one day in January 2008 in order to let retiring Sen. Bernard Kenny
Bernard Kenny
Bernard F. Kenny, Jr. is an American Democratic Party politician, who served in the New Jersey State Senate from 1993 to 2008, where he represented the 33rd Legislative District...
of Hoboken
Hoboken, New Jersey
Hoboken is a city in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population was 50,005. The city is part of the New York metropolitan area and contains Hoboken Terminal, a major transportation hub for the region...
to serve as Senate President on his last day in office. Senator Kenny had served as Senate Majority Leader under Codey. Kenny served as Senate President from January 7 to January 8, when Senator Codey was reelected to the Senate Presidency for the next legislative session.
Acting gubernatorial service in 2007
On April 12, 2007, Codey became Acting Governor of New Jersey when Corzine was incapacitated due to serious injuries suffered in a car accident that day. Codey became Acting Governor since New Jersey did not have the position of Lieutenant GovernorLieutenant Governor of New Jersey
The Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is a position that has existed since January 2010, following conjoint election with the Governor of New Jersey. The position was created as the result of a Constitutional amendment to the New Jersey State Constitution passed by the voters on November 8, 2005...
until after the 2009 election. Corzine resumed his duties as Governor on May 7, 2007.
Potential gubernatorial candidate in 2009
The Obama administration approached Codey in 2009 to consider running for governor in Corzine's place if the incumbent withdrew from his reelection bid, citing polls showing that Codey led Republican Chris Christie. Corzine remained in the race and lost to ChristieNew Jersey gubernatorial election, 2009
The New Jersey gubernatorial election of 2009 took place on November 3, 2009. Democratic Governor Jon Corzine was running for a second term and was being challenged by Republican Chris Christie, Independent Christopher Daggett and nine others, in addition to several write-in candidates...
.
Public opinion summary
Former Governor Jim McGreeveyJim McGreevey
James Edward "Jim" McGreevey is an American Democratic politician. He served as the 52nd Governor of New Jersey from January 15, 2002, until he resigned from office at 11:59 pm on November 15, 2004. His term was set to expire on January 17, 2006...
was the 11th governor in the history of the United States to resign due to a political scandal. In August 2004, just after McGreevey announced his intention to leave the office that November, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private university founded as a junior college in 1942. It now has several campuses located in New Jersey, Canada, and the United Kingdom.-Description:...
’s PublicMind measured public views of his soon-to-be successor, Richard Codey, president of the New Jersey Senate
New Jersey Senate
The New Jersey Senate was established as the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature by the Constitution of 1844, replacing the Legislative Council. From 1844 until 1965 New Jersey's counties elected one Senator, each. Under the 1844 Constitution the term of office was three years. The 1947...
. In a study released on August 16 2004, FDU reported that 68% of New Jersey voters did not recognize Richard Codey’s name. Nevertheless, 30% of voters shared a favorable view of him while only 9% reported an unfavorable view.
Even two months later, in early October 2004, FDU’s poll release entitled “Richard Who?” found that, despite that Codey would soon take take over as governor from McGreevey, the name Richard Codey remained unknown to 59% of New Jersey voters. However, voters who knew him held distinctly more favorable than unfavorable views by a two to one ratio, (23%-10%).
By early January 2005, when PublicMind again conducted a statewide study in which voters were asked: “Have you heard of Richard Codey?,” the numbers showed that 35% of New Jersey voters still did not recognize Codey’s name. However, 48% had a favorable view of him compared to 7% of those who had an unfavorable view, “a formidable 7:1 ratio” said the press release.
According to the next FDU PublicMind poll released on April 13, 2005, Gov. Codey’s recognition had improved significantly since the previous August when former Gov. McGreevey announced his resignation. Five months after assuming office, four of five voters (78%) recognized his name, (a 46-point increase from August 2004). In addition, voters were twice as likely to have a favorable view (51%) as opposed to an unfavorable view (25%) of the governor, while a two-to-one ratio despite that three in five (59%) also lamented the state was “on the wrong track.”
In a study conducted by FDU PublicMind on July 21, 2005, results showed that 51% of NJ voters believed the state was moving on the wrong track. Nevertheless, their concerns about the state’s problems did not impact the image of Gov. Codey. In this same poll, voters felt more sympathetic towards Gov. Codey. Numbers indicated that half of the voters in NJ rated Codey’s performance as excellent or good. Only 8% reported that he was doing a poor job. Dr. Peter J Woolley, professor of political science and Executive Director of PublicMind commented: “That’s pretty good for New Jersey…Codey’s plain spoken approach seems to soften people’s views of the state’s problems.”
According to a PublicMind poll release from September 27, 2005, a total of 21% of NJ voters still did not recognize their incumbent governor Richard Codey. However, this was a remarkable increase in recognition from six months earlier when 35% of voters failed to recognize his name. In addition, more than half of the voters (57%) agreed that his performance could be considered “good” or “excellent.”
A few months later, a sizeable majority of NJ voters still retained a favorable view of the new governor over unfavorable. A PublicMind study released on November 22, 2005 indicated that 65% of voters shared a favorable/somewhat favorable view of Gov. Codey, over a 11% somewhat unfavorable/very unfavorable view.
As Gov. Codey prepared to leave office, making way for newly elected governor Jon Corzine
Jon Corzine
Jon Stevens Corzine is the former CEO of Goldman Sachs and of MF Global, and a one time American politician, who served as the 54th Governor of New Jersey from 2006 to 2010. A Democrat, Corzine served five years of a six-year U.S. Senate term representing New Jersey before being elected Governor...
, Gov. Codey handed off a state that believed to be heading in the wrong track. In a FDU PublicMind Poll study released on January 12, 2006, it showed that 48% of the voters disagreed with the direction the state was headed. However, even though voters had a negative view of the state, they did not relate their negative opinion towards Gov. Codey. During his final days as governor, Richard Codey received distinguished approval by NJ voters. In the same poll study, numbers indicated that 68% of voters who recognized Gov. Codey had a favorable opinion of him.
Now that former Gov. Codey has been out of office for over five years, he continues to make headlines as a prospective candidate for governor. In a recent FDU PublicMind Poll release from September 27, 2011, voters were asked “If you could pick a Democrat to run against Chris Christie for governor, who would you prefer?” Richard Codey came up as the most adequate candidate at 18% among other well-known Democrats like Cory Booker
Cory Booker
Cory Anthony Booker is the Mayor of Newark, New Jersey. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Booker is a former Newark City Councilman...
and Frank Pallone
Frank Pallone
Frank Pallone, Jr. is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1993. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He previously represented the 3rd district from 1988 to 1993.-Early life, education, and early political career:...
.
In 2011, former Gov. Codey also published his autobiography entitled “Me, Governor?” a humorous autobiography in which he discusses various chapters of his life as governor of New Jersey. In a section of his book, he cites a FDU PublicMind poll study that was conducted about three years after he left office. According to the results from the poll on March 4, 2009, he was still the most popular politician in the state of New Jersey with 41% favorable over 15% unfavorable views. Woolley was quoted in the text saying, “If he could sing, he’d be a rock star.”
Cabinet
- Virginia BauerVirginia BauerVirginia Samaras Bauer is an advocate for families of the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks and a government leader in New Jersey. She currently is a Commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. She is a former New Jersey Secretary of Commerce, Economic Growth and...
, Secretary of Commerce, Economic Growth and Tourism - George Hayman, Acting Commissioner of Corrections (as of January 3, 2006)
- Donald BryanDonald BryanDonald Bryan is the former Acting Commissioner of Banking and Insurance in New Jersey. A career employee of his department, served as Director of the Division of Insurance from 1999 to 2006, where he served two separate stints as acting commissioner....
, Acting Commissioner of Banking and Insurance - Peter Cammarano, Chief of Staff to the Governor
- Bradley Campbell, Commissioner of Environmental Protection
- Thomas Carver, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development (until October 2005)
- James DavyJames DavyJames Davy is the former Commissioner of Human Services in New Jersey, holding the position under former Governors James McGreevey and Jon Corzine...
, Commissioner of Human Services - Lucille DavyLucille DavyLucille Davy was the Commissioner of Education in New Jersey. She was named acting commissioner on September 9, 2005, by former Governor of New Jersey Richard Codey. She was named commissioner by Gov. Jon Corzine as of July 11, 2006....
, Acting Commissioner of Education (from September 2005) - Paul Fader, Chief Counsel to the Governor
- Jeanne FoxJeanne FoxJeanne Fox is the President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. She was originally appointed to the position in 2002 by former Gov. James McGreevey and was retained in the Cabinets of former Gov. Richard Codey and Gov. Jon Corzine....
, President of the Board of Public Utilities - Col. Joseph Fuentes, Superintendent of the State PoliceNew Jersey State PoliceThe New Jersey State Police is the state police force for the state of New Jersey. It is a general-powers police agency with state wide jurisdiction when requested by the Governor, designated by Troop Sectors.-History:...
- Peter C. HarveyPeter C. HarveyPeter C. Harvey was the first African American to serve as New Jersey Attorney General. Harvey was appointed by New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey as Acting Attorney General on February 15, 2003, and was confirmed by the New Jersey Senate as Attorney General on June 16, 2003...
, State Attorney General - Dr. Fred Jacobs, Commissioner of Health and Senior Services
- Charles Kuperus, Secretary of Agriculture
- John Lettiere, Commissioner of Transportation
- Susan Bass LevinSusan Bass LevinSusan Bass Levin is the current President and CEO of Cooper University Health System's Cooper Foundation. Levin is a Democratic Party politician in New Jersey, and previously served as First Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey...
, Commissioner of Community Affairs (until June 2005) - William Librera, Commissioner of Education (until September 2005)
- John McCormacJohn McCormacJohn McCormac is an American Democratic Party politician, who is serving as the Mayor of Woodbridge Township, New Jersey. He served as State Treasurer of New Jersey for four years in the cabinets of former Governor of New Jersey James McGreevey and former Gov...
, State Treasurer - Charles RichmanCharles RichmanCharles Richman is the acting commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. He also served as acting commissioner in the cabinet of former Gov. Richard Codey....
, Acting Commissioner of Community Affairs (from June 2005) - Major Gen. Glenn K. RiethGlenn K. RiethGlenn K. Rieth is the Adjutant General of New Jersey, and is the commander of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard which compose the New Jersey Department of Military Affairs...
, Adjutant GeneralAdjutant generalAn Adjutant General is a military chief administrative officer.-Imperial Russia:In Imperial Russia, the General-Adjutant was a Court officer, who was usually an army general. He served as a personal aide to the Tsar and hence was a member of the H. I. M. Retinue... - A.J. Sabath, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development (from October 2005)
- Seema Singh, Ratepayer Advocate
- Regena ThomasRegena ThomasRegena Thomas is the former Secretary of State of New Jersey and a political consultant. She served in the cabinets of former Gov. James McGreevey and former Gov. Richard Codey....
, Secretary of State of New JerseySecretary of State of New JerseyThe Secretary of State of New Jersey is responsible for overseeing artistic, cultural, and historical programs within the U.S. state of New Jersey, as well as volunteerism and community service projects within the state.... - Rolando Torres, Commissioner of Personnel
External links
- Richard Codey's 2011 Campaign web page
- New Jersey legislative web page, New Jersey LegislatureNew Jersey LegislatureThe New Jersey Legislature is the legislative branch of the government of the U.S. state of New Jersey. In its current form, as defined by the New Jersey Constitution of 1947, the Legislature consists of two houses: the General Assembly and the Senate...
- New Jersey Legislature financial disclosure forms
- New Jersey Governor Richard J. Codey, National Governors AssociationNational Governors AssociationThe National Governors Association , founded in 1908 as the National Governors' Conference, is funded primarily by state dues, federal grants and contracts and private contributions. NGA represents the governors of the fifty U.S. states and five U.S. territories The National Governors Association...
- New Jersey Senate Democrats Website Biography
- New Jersey Voter Information Website 2003
Richard James Codey (born November 27, 1946) is an American Democratic Party
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
politician who served as the 53rd Governor of New Jersey
Governor of New Jersey
The Office of the Governor of New Jersey is the executive branch for the U.S. state of New Jersey. The office of Governor is an elected position, for which elected officials serve four year terms. While individual politicians may serve as many terms as they can be elected to, Governors cannot be...
from November 2004 to January 2006. He has served in the New Jersey Senate
New Jersey Senate
The New Jersey Senate was established as the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature by the Constitution of 1844, replacing the Legislative Council. From 1844 until 1965 New Jersey's counties elected one Senator, each. Under the 1844 Constitution the term of office was three years. The 1947...
since 1981 and served as the President of the Senate from 2002 to January 2010. He represents the 27th Legislative District, which covers the western portions of Essex County
Essex County, New Jersey
Essex County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the United States 2010 Census, the population was 783,969, ranking it third in the state after Bergen County and Middlesex County; Essex County's population has declined from 786,147 as of the bureau's...
. Codey is currently the second most senior senator in the New Jersey Senate, after Gerald Cardinale
Gerald Cardinale
Gerald Cardinale is an American Republican Party politician, who has served in the New Jersey State Senate since 1982, where he represents the 39th Legislative District...
. His 2011 Campaign web page is at http://www.richardjcodey.com/.
Biography
Codey grew up in his family's funeral homeFuneral home
A funeral home, funeral parlor or mortuary, is a business that provides burial and funeral services for the deceased and their families. These services may include aprepared wake and funeral, and the provision of a chapel for the funeral....
in Orange
Orange, New Jersey
The City of Orange is a city and township in Essex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 30,134...
and graduated from Oratory Preparatory School
Oratory Preparatory School
Oratory Preparatory School, commonly known as Oratory Prep, is a Roman Catholic college preparatory day school for boys in grades 7-12, located in Summit, New Jersey, United States, approximately west of Manhattan...
in Summit
Summit, New Jersey
Summit is a city in Union County, New Jersey, United States. At the 2010 United States Census, the city's population was 21,457. Summit had the 16th-highest per capita income in the state as of the 2000 Census....
. He went on to take over his father's job as a licensed funeral director
Funeral director
A funeral director , also known as a mortician or undertaker, is a professional involved in the business of funeral rites. These tasks often entail the embalming and burial or cremation of the dead, as well as the planning and arrangement of the actual funeral ceremony...
. When his father, Donald, became the county coroner
Coroner
A coroner is a government official who* Investigates human deaths* Determines cause of death* Issues death certificates* Maintains death records* Responds to deaths in mass disasters* Identifies unknown dead* Other functions depending on local laws...
, Richard was drafted to help with death scene pickups. Codey remembered, "I was 14, taking bodies out of train wrecks. You grow up quick."
Codey left the funeral trade to try his hand in politics in 1973 when he was first elected to the State Assembly
New Jersey General Assembly
The New Jersey General Assembly is the lower house of the New Jersey Legislature.Since the election of 1967 , the Assembly has consisted of 80 members. Two members are elected from each of New Jersey's 40 legislative districts for a term of two years, each representing districts with average...
, with Eldridge Hawkins
Eldridge Hawkins
Eldridge Hawkins was an American lawyer and Democratic Party politician who served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1972 to 1978....
as his running mate. He served in the Assembly from 1974 to 1981. In 1981 he earned a bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
in education from Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private university founded as a junior college in 1942. It now has several campuses located in New Jersey, Canada, and the United Kingdom.-Description:...
. Codey was elected to the State Senate
New Jersey Senate
The New Jersey Senate was established as the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature by the Constitution of 1844, replacing the Legislative Council. From 1844 until 1965 New Jersey's counties elected one Senator, each. Under the 1844 Constitution the term of office was three years. The 1947...
that same year and has since risen through the ranks to become Senate President. He first ascended to that post in 2002 to 2010. He serves in the Senate on the Legislative Services Commission. He also has a hockey arena named in his honor, also known as South Mountain Arena in West Orange, New Jersey
West Orange, New Jersey
West Orange is a township in central Essex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 46,207...
.
Acting gubernatorial service 2002
Following Governor Christine Todd WhitmanChristine Todd Whitman
Christine Todd "Christie" Whitman is an American Republican politician and author who served as the 50th Governor of New Jersey from 1994 to 2001, and was the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in the administration of President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2003. She was New...
's resignation the previous year to become head of the EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress...
, Codey was one of three different Senate Presidents (along with Donald DiFrancesco
Donald DiFrancesco
Donald Thomas DiFrancesco was the 51st Governor of New Jersey from 2001 to 2002 by virtue of his status as President of the New Jersey Senate, the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature....
and John O. Bennett
John O. Bennett
John O. Bennett III is a former New Jersey Republican politician who served as State Senator, President of the State Senate, and Acting Governor of New Jersey during the course of his career.-Education:...
, along with Attorney General John Farmer
John Farmer Jr.
John J. Farmer, Jr. is an American lawyer, politician and jurist. Since 2009, Farmer has been Dean of Rutgers School of Law-Newark. He served as Acting Governor of New Jersey for 90 minutes on January 8, 2002, by virtue of his status as New Jersey Attorney General.-Early Life and Career :Farmer...
) to serve as Acting Governor for the one-year period between Whitman's resignation and Jim McGreevey
Jim McGreevey
James Edward "Jim" McGreevey is an American Democratic politician. He served as the 52nd Governor of New Jersey from January 15, 2002, until he resigned from office at 11:59 pm on November 15, 2004. His term was set to expire on January 17, 2006...
's inauguration. DiFrancesco served as acting governor for all but the last week of this period, until his term as senate president ended. Farmer, Bennett and Codey then divided the last week of the term among them, with Codey serving for three days, from January 12, 2002, to January 15, 2002.
Gubernatorial service 2004–2006
Codey became Acting Governor again with the resignation of Jim McGreeveyJim McGreevey
James Edward "Jim" McGreevey is an American Democratic politician. He served as the 52nd Governor of New Jersey from January 15, 2002, until he resigned from office at 11:59 pm on November 15, 2004. His term was set to expire on January 17, 2006...
on November 15, 2004. According to the New Jersey State Constitution
New Jersey State Constitution
The Constitution of the State of New Jersey is the basic governing document of the State of New Jersey. In addition to three British Royal Charters issued for East Jersey, West Jersey and united New Jersey while they were still colonies, the state has been governed by three constitutions...
at the time, in the event of a vacancy in the Governor's office, the President of the State Senate takes on the additional position of Acting Governor until the next gubernatorial election. After taking over in 2004 Codey became popular with many New Jersey residents and reportedly considered a run for a full four-year term. However, U.S. Senator
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
Jon Corzine
Jon Corzine
Jon Stevens Corzine is the former CEO of Goldman Sachs and of MF Global, and a one time American politician, who served as the 54th Governor of New Jersey from 2006 to 2010. A Democrat, Corzine served five years of a six-year U.S. Senate term representing New Jersey before being elected Governor...
's large number of endorsements as well as his large campaign war chest, funded primarily by his great personal wealth, convinced Codey to announce officially on January 31, 2005 that he would step aside. Codey served as Governor until Corzine was sworn in on January 17, 2006 following Corzine's victory in the November 8, 2005 elections
New Jersey gubernatorial election, 2005
The New Jersey gubernatorial election of 2005 was a race for the Governor of New Jersey. It was held on November 8, 2005. Incumbent Democratic Governor Richard Codey, who replaced Governor Jim McGreevey in 2004 after his resignation, did not run for election for a full term of office.The primary...
. Some had speculated that Codey could be a possible candidate for Corzine's vacant seat in the United States Senate
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
, with Corzine appointing his own successor once he was sworn in as Governor. However, Codey announced on November 23, 2005 that he was not interested in the Senate seat.
With the passage on November 8, 2005, of a constitutional amendment
Constitutional amendment
A constitutional amendment is a formal change to the text of the written constitution of a nation or state.Most constitutions require that amendments cannot be enacted unless they have passed a special procedure that is more stringent than that required of ordinary legislation...
creating the position of Lieutenant Governor
Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey
The Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is a position that has existed since January 2010, following conjoint election with the Governor of New Jersey. The position was created as the result of a Constitutional amendment to the New Jersey State Constitution passed by the voters on November 8, 2005...
, Codey became the last person to serve simultaneously as Governor and Senate President.
On January 9, 2006, Codey became Governor (no longer Acting Governor
Acting governor
An acting governor is a constitutional position created in some U.S. states when the governor dies in office or resigns. In some states, the governor may also be declared to be incapacitated and unable to function for various reasons, including illness and absence from the state for more than a...
) as a result of his signing legislation that provided that a person who serves as Acting Governor for a continuous period of at least 180 days will be "Governor of the State of New Jersey" for official and historical purposes. This law was made retroactive to 2001, covering both Codey's service after McGreevey's resignation and the service of Donald DiFrancesco
Donald DiFrancesco
Donald Thomas DiFrancesco was the 51st Governor of New Jersey from 2001 to 2002 by virtue of his status as President of the New Jersey Senate, the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature....
following the resignation of Governor Christine Todd Whitman
Christine Todd Whitman
Christine Todd "Christie" Whitman is an American Republican politician and author who served as the 50th Governor of New Jersey from 1994 to 2001, and was the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in the administration of President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2003. She was New...
in 2001. This made DiFrancesco New Jersey's 51st governor and Codey the 53rd.
Codey has been an outspoken advocate of mental health
Mental health
Mental health describes either a level of cognitive or emotional well-being or an absence of a mental disorder. From perspectives of the discipline of positive psychology or holism mental health may include an individual's ability to enjoy life and procure a balance between life activities and...
awareness and strongly favors including mental health funding in employee medical benefit packages and Medicare
Medicare (United States)
Medicare is a social insurance program administered by the United States government, providing health insurance coverage to people who are aged 65 and over; to those who are under 65 and are permanently physically disabled or who have a congenital physical disability; or to those who meet other...
. Both Codey and his wife, Mary Jo
Mary Jo Codey
Mary Jo Codey is an American schoolteacher and former First Lady of New Jersey. She and her husband, Governor Richard Codey, served their state from November 16, 2004 to January 17, 2006....
, have spoken candidly about her past struggles with postpartum depression
Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression , also called postnatal depression, is a form of clinical depression which can affect women, and less frequently men, typically after childbirth. Studies report prevalence rates among women from 5% to 25%, but methodological differences among the studies make the actual...
. In early 2005, Codey responded in person to New Jersey 101.5
WKXW-FM
WKXW is a radio station based just outside of Trenton, New Jersey. The station is licensed to serve the Trenton area on 101.5 MHz FM and is also streamed on the station's website. It is owned by Townsquare Media...
talk radio
Talk radio
Talk radio is a radio format containing discussion about topical issues. Most shows are regularly hosted by a single individual, and often feature interviews with a number of different guests. Talk radio typically includes an element of listener participation, usually by broadcasting live...
host Craig Carton
Craig Carton
Craig Harris Carton is an American radio personality who currently co-hosts the Boomer and Carton in the Morning radio program.-Biography:...
, who jokingly criticized Mary Jo and her mental health on the air. Some argue that Codey's comments were a physical threat against the radio personality. The Governor himself admits to telling Carton during the altercation that he wished he could "take [Carton] outside", while in the presence of the six New Jersey State Police
New Jersey State Police
The New Jersey State Police is the state police force for the state of New Jersey. It is a general-powers police agency with state wide jurisdiction when requested by the Governor, designated by Troop Sectors.-History:...
men who were serving as his personal bodyguards. There was some speculation that this incident helped Codey decide not to run for a full term as governor. In July 2005, Codey also defended actress Brooke Shields
Brooke Shields
Brooke Christa Shields is an American actress and model. Some of her better-known movies include Pretty Baby and The Blue Lagoon, as well as TV shows such as Suddenly Susan, That '70s Show and Lipstick Jungle....
after she faced criticism for discussing her postpartum depression
Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression , also called postnatal depression, is a form of clinical depression which can affect women, and less frequently men, typically after childbirth. Studies report prevalence rates among women from 5% to 25%, but methodological differences among the studies make the actual...
. In December 2005, Codey appeared on Carton's radio program to help put the incident behind both of them.
Codey appointed Mary Jane Cooper to be New Jersey's first-ever Inspector General, a position created to root out waste and mismanagement in government. Codey added $7 million in new funding to agencies devoted to public accountability, per the recommendations that resulted from an audit of state ethics codes that he commissioned. In March 2005, Codey cracked down on pay to play
Pay to Play
Pay to play, sometimes pay for play, is a phrase used for a variety of situations in which money is exchanged for services or the privilege to engage in certain activities...
when he signed a law banning campaign contributions by businesses holding state contracts in several circumstances.
As governor, Codey championed a bill to ban smoking from indoor spaces in the state, more money for stem cell research, increased funding for mental health, and sports. Codey created a task force to recommend ways to end steroid abuse in high school and college sports in the state. The task force established drug testing for high school athletes on teams that play in the championship. The state will pay for the drug testing program. He also successfully negotiated for a new stadium to be constructed jointly by the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
and New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
In December 2005, Codey announced he was not accepting a new state slogan recommended by the State Commerce Department, following a study by a marketing consultant, which was paid for by the state. He said he felt the slogan "We'll win you over" made the state seem desperate. Governor Codey openly solicited slogan suggestions from citizens and then choose five finalists, which he opened to a vote from the public. Days prior to leaving the governor's office, Codey announced the winner: New Jersey: Come See for Yourself.
Shortly before leaving office, Codey signed the first legislative moratorium on capital punishment enacted by any state in the nation. The moratorium ended with the permanent ban of capital punishment by Codey's successor, Corzine.
As Corzine attended the swearing in of Bob Menendez as a U.S. Senator on January 18, 2006, in Washington, D.C., Codey spent part of his first day as former governor as the acting governor of the state.
Return to Senate service
New Jersey Senate
The New Jersey Senate was established as the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature by the Constitution of 1844, replacing the Legislative Council. From 1844 until 1965 New Jersey's counties elected one Senator, each. Under the 1844 Constitution the term of office was three years. The 1947...
in 2007. Codey represents the 27th Legislative District together with Assemblyman
New Jersey General Assembly
The New Jersey General Assembly is the lower house of the New Jersey Legislature.Since the election of 1967 , the Assembly has consisted of 80 members. Two members are elected from each of New Jersey's 40 legislative districts for a term of two years, each representing districts with average...
John F. McKeon
John F. McKeon
John F. McKeon, Jr. is an American Democratic Party politician, who has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 2002, where he represents the 27th legislative district, which covers the western portion of Essex County...
, who is coincidentally also the mayor of West Orange
West Orange, New Jersey
West Orange is a township in central Essex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 46,207...
, a town in Essex County, New Jersey
Essex County, New Jersey
Essex County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the United States 2010 Census, the population was 783,969, ranking it third in the state after Bergen County and Middlesex County; Essex County's population has declined from 786,147 as of the bureau's...
, where Senator Codey's family was raised. Codey and his family lived in West Orange until 2009, when they moved to neighboring Roseland
Roseland, New Jersey
Roseland is a borough in western Essex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 5,819...
. The other Assembly seat is occupied by Mila Jasey
Mila Jasey
Mila M. Jasey is an American Democratic Party politician from South Orange, who serves in the New Jersey General Assembly, where she represents the 27th Legislative District seat that had been vacated by Mims Hackett on September 10, 2007...
, who was elected to fill the seat in November 2007 after the resignation of Mims Hackett
Mims Hackett
Mims Hackett is an American Democratic Party politician, who served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2002-2007, where he represented 27th Legislative District, which covers the western portion of Essex County....
on September 8, 2007.
In September, 2006, during Mr. Menendez's re-election campaign for his U.S. Senate seat, it was revealed that Menendez was the subject of an ongoing federal criminal investigation. The situation closely resembles the situation faced by Robert Torricelli
Robert Torricelli
Robert Guy Torricelli , nicknamed "the Torch," is an American politician from the U.S. state of New Jersey. Torricelli, a Democrat, served 14 years in the U.S. House of Representatives before being elected to the U.S. Senate...
in his 2002 re-election campaign, where ethical problems and declining poll numbers led to Torricelli exiting the race, to be replaced as the Democratic candidate by former senator Frank Lautenberg
Frank Lautenberg
Frank Raleigh Lautenberg is the senior United States Senator from New Jersey and a member of the Democratic Party. Previously, he was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Automatic Data Processing, Inc.-Early life, career, and family:...
. Political observers speculated that Codey could be tapped to fill the candidate's slot should Menendez decide to withdraw from the race. However, on November 7, 2006, Menendez was elected to a full term.
Codey briefly resigned as President of the Senate for one day in January 2008 in order to let retiring Sen. Bernard Kenny
Bernard Kenny
Bernard F. Kenny, Jr. is an American Democratic Party politician, who served in the New Jersey State Senate from 1993 to 2008, where he represented the 33rd Legislative District...
of Hoboken
Hoboken, New Jersey
Hoboken is a city in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population was 50,005. The city is part of the New York metropolitan area and contains Hoboken Terminal, a major transportation hub for the region...
to serve as Senate President on his last day in office. Senator Kenny had served as Senate Majority Leader under Codey. Kenny served as Senate President from January 7 to January 8, when Senator Codey was reelected to the Senate Presidency for the next legislative session.
Acting gubernatorial service in 2007
On April 12, 2007, Codey became Acting Governor of New Jersey when Corzine was incapacitated due to serious injuries suffered in a car accident that day. Codey became Acting Governor since New Jersey did not have the position of Lieutenant GovernorLieutenant Governor of New Jersey
The Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is a position that has existed since January 2010, following conjoint election with the Governor of New Jersey. The position was created as the result of a Constitutional amendment to the New Jersey State Constitution passed by the voters on November 8, 2005...
until after the 2009 election. Corzine resumed his duties as Governor on May 7, 2007.
Potential gubernatorial candidate in 2009
The Obama administration approached Codey in 2009 to consider running for governor in Corzine's place if the incumbent withdrew from his reelection bid, citing polls showing that Codey led Republican Chris Christie. Corzine remained in the race and lost to ChristieNew Jersey gubernatorial election, 2009
The New Jersey gubernatorial election of 2009 took place on November 3, 2009. Democratic Governor Jon Corzine was running for a second term and was being challenged by Republican Chris Christie, Independent Christopher Daggett and nine others, in addition to several write-in candidates...
.
Public opinion summary
Former Governor Jim McGreeveyJim McGreevey
James Edward "Jim" McGreevey is an American Democratic politician. He served as the 52nd Governor of New Jersey from January 15, 2002, until he resigned from office at 11:59 pm on November 15, 2004. His term was set to expire on January 17, 2006...
was the 11th governor in the history of the United States to resign due to a political scandal. In August 2004, just after McGreevey announced his intention to leave the office that November, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private university founded as a junior college in 1942. It now has several campuses located in New Jersey, Canada, and the United Kingdom.-Description:...
’s PublicMind measured public views of his soon-to-be successor, Richard Codey, president of the New Jersey Senate
New Jersey Senate
The New Jersey Senate was established as the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature by the Constitution of 1844, replacing the Legislative Council. From 1844 until 1965 New Jersey's counties elected one Senator, each. Under the 1844 Constitution the term of office was three years. The 1947...
. In a study released on August 16 2004, FDU reported that 68% of New Jersey voters did not recognize Richard Codey’s name. Nevertheless, 30% of voters shared a favorable view of him while only 9% reported an unfavorable view.
Even two months later, in early October 2004, FDU’s poll release entitled “Richard Who?” found that, despite that Codey would soon take take over as governor from McGreevey, the name Richard Codey remained unknown to 59% of New Jersey voters. However, voters who knew him held distinctly more favorable than unfavorable views by a two to one ratio, (23%-10%).
By early January 2005, when PublicMind again conducted a statewide study in which voters were asked: “Have you heard of Richard Codey?,” the numbers showed that 35% of New Jersey voters still did not recognize Codey’s name. However, 48% had a favorable view of him compared to 7% of those who had an unfavorable view, “a formidable 7:1 ratio” said the press release.
According to the next FDU PublicMind poll released on April 13, 2005, Gov. Codey’s recognition had improved significantly since the previous August when former Gov. McGreevey announced his resignation. Five months after assuming office, four of five voters (78%) recognized his name, (a 46-point increase from August 2004). In addition, voters were twice as likely to have a favorable view (51%) as opposed to an unfavorable view (25%) of the governor, while a two-to-one ratio despite that three in five (59%) also lamented the state was “on the wrong track.”
In a study conducted by FDU PublicMind on July 21, 2005, results showed that 51% of NJ voters believed the state was moving on the wrong track. Nevertheless, their concerns about the state’s problems did not impact the image of Gov. Codey. In this same poll, voters felt more sympathetic towards Gov. Codey. Numbers indicated that half of the voters in NJ rated Codey’s performance as excellent or good. Only 8% reported that he was doing a poor job. Dr. Peter J Woolley, professor of political science and Executive Director of PublicMind commented: “That’s pretty good for New Jersey…Codey’s plain spoken approach seems to soften people’s views of the state’s problems.”
According to a PublicMind poll release from September 27, 2005, a total of 21% of NJ voters still did not recognize their incumbent governor Richard Codey. However, this was a remarkable increase in recognition from six months earlier when 35% of voters failed to recognize his name. In addition, more than half of the voters (57%) agreed that his performance could be considered “good” or “excellent.”
A few months later, a sizeable majority of NJ voters still retained a favorable view of the new governor over unfavorable. A PublicMind study released on November 22, 2005 indicated that 65% of voters shared a favorable/somewhat favorable view of Gov. Codey, over a 11% somewhat unfavorable/very unfavorable view.
As Gov. Codey prepared to leave office, making way for newly elected governor Jon Corzine
Jon Corzine
Jon Stevens Corzine is the former CEO of Goldman Sachs and of MF Global, and a one time American politician, who served as the 54th Governor of New Jersey from 2006 to 2010. A Democrat, Corzine served five years of a six-year U.S. Senate term representing New Jersey before being elected Governor...
, Gov. Codey handed off a state that believed to be heading in the wrong track. In a FDU PublicMind Poll study released on January 12, 2006, it showed that 48% of the voters disagreed with the direction the state was headed. However, even though voters had a negative view of the state, they did not relate their negative opinion towards Gov. Codey. During his final days as governor, Richard Codey received distinguished approval by NJ voters. In the same poll study, numbers indicated that 68% of voters who recognized Gov. Codey had a favorable opinion of him.
Now that former Gov. Codey has been out of office for over five years, he continues to make headlines as a prospective candidate for governor. In a recent FDU PublicMind Poll release from September 27, 2011, voters were asked “If you could pick a Democrat to run against Chris Christie for governor, who would you prefer?” Richard Codey came up as the most adequate candidate at 18% among other well-known Democrats like Cory Booker
Cory Booker
Cory Anthony Booker is the Mayor of Newark, New Jersey. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Booker is a former Newark City Councilman...
and Frank Pallone
Frank Pallone
Frank Pallone, Jr. is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1993. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He previously represented the 3rd district from 1988 to 1993.-Early life, education, and early political career:...
.
In 2011, former Gov. Codey also published his autobiography entitled “Me, Governor?” a humorous autobiography in which he discusses various chapters of his life as governor of New Jersey. In a section of his book, he cites a FDU PublicMind poll study that was conducted about three years after he left office. According to the results from the poll on March 4, 2009, he was still the most popular politician in the state of New Jersey with 41% favorable over 15% unfavorable views. Woolley was quoted in the text saying, “If he could sing, he’d be a rock star.”
Cabinet
- Virginia BauerVirginia BauerVirginia Samaras Bauer is an advocate for families of the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks and a government leader in New Jersey. She currently is a Commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. She is a former New Jersey Secretary of Commerce, Economic Growth and...
, Secretary of Commerce, Economic Growth and Tourism - George Hayman, Acting Commissioner of Corrections (as of January 3, 2006)
- Donald BryanDonald BryanDonald Bryan is the former Acting Commissioner of Banking and Insurance in New Jersey. A career employee of his department, served as Director of the Division of Insurance from 1999 to 2006, where he served two separate stints as acting commissioner....
, Acting Commissioner of Banking and Insurance - Peter Cammarano, Chief of Staff to the Governor
- Bradley Campbell, Commissioner of Environmental Protection
- Thomas Carver, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development (until October 2005)
- James DavyJames DavyJames Davy is the former Commissioner of Human Services in New Jersey, holding the position under former Governors James McGreevey and Jon Corzine...
, Commissioner of Human Services - Lucille DavyLucille DavyLucille Davy was the Commissioner of Education in New Jersey. She was named acting commissioner on September 9, 2005, by former Governor of New Jersey Richard Codey. She was named commissioner by Gov. Jon Corzine as of July 11, 2006....
, Acting Commissioner of Education (from September 2005) - Paul Fader, Chief Counsel to the Governor
- Jeanne FoxJeanne FoxJeanne Fox is the President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. She was originally appointed to the position in 2002 by former Gov. James McGreevey and was retained in the Cabinets of former Gov. Richard Codey and Gov. Jon Corzine....
, President of the Board of Public Utilities - Col. Joseph Fuentes, Superintendent of the State PoliceNew Jersey State PoliceThe New Jersey State Police is the state police force for the state of New Jersey. It is a general-powers police agency with state wide jurisdiction when requested by the Governor, designated by Troop Sectors.-History:...
- Peter C. HarveyPeter C. HarveyPeter C. Harvey was the first African American to serve as New Jersey Attorney General. Harvey was appointed by New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey as Acting Attorney General on February 15, 2003, and was confirmed by the New Jersey Senate as Attorney General on June 16, 2003...
, State Attorney General - Dr. Fred Jacobs, Commissioner of Health and Senior Services
- Charles Kuperus, Secretary of Agriculture
- John Lettiere, Commissioner of Transportation
- Susan Bass LevinSusan Bass LevinSusan Bass Levin is the current President and CEO of Cooper University Health System's Cooper Foundation. Levin is a Democratic Party politician in New Jersey, and previously served as First Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey...
, Commissioner of Community Affairs (until June 2005) - William Librera, Commissioner of Education (until September 2005)
- John McCormacJohn McCormacJohn McCormac is an American Democratic Party politician, who is serving as the Mayor of Woodbridge Township, New Jersey. He served as State Treasurer of New Jersey for four years in the cabinets of former Governor of New Jersey James McGreevey and former Gov...
, State Treasurer - Charles RichmanCharles RichmanCharles Richman is the acting commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. He also served as acting commissioner in the cabinet of former Gov. Richard Codey....
, Acting Commissioner of Community Affairs (from June 2005) - Major Gen. Glenn K. RiethGlenn K. RiethGlenn K. Rieth is the Adjutant General of New Jersey, and is the commander of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard which compose the New Jersey Department of Military Affairs...
, Adjutant GeneralAdjutant generalAn Adjutant General is a military chief administrative officer.-Imperial Russia:In Imperial Russia, the General-Adjutant was a Court officer, who was usually an army general. He served as a personal aide to the Tsar and hence was a member of the H. I. M. Retinue... - A.J. Sabath, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development (from October 2005)
- Seema Singh, Ratepayer Advocate
- Regena ThomasRegena ThomasRegena Thomas is the former Secretary of State of New Jersey and a political consultant. She served in the cabinets of former Gov. James McGreevey and former Gov. Richard Codey....
, Secretary of State of New JerseySecretary of State of New JerseyThe Secretary of State of New Jersey is responsible for overseeing artistic, cultural, and historical programs within the U.S. state of New Jersey, as well as volunteerism and community service projects within the state.... - Rolando Torres, Commissioner of Personnel
External links
- Richard Codey's 2011 Campaign web page
- New Jersey legislative web page, New Jersey LegislatureNew Jersey LegislatureThe New Jersey Legislature is the legislative branch of the government of the U.S. state of New Jersey. In its current form, as defined by the New Jersey Constitution of 1947, the Legislature consists of two houses: the General Assembly and the Senate...
- New Jersey Legislature financial disclosure forms
- New Jersey Governor Richard J. Codey, National Governors AssociationNational Governors AssociationThe National Governors Association , founded in 1908 as the National Governors' Conference, is funded primarily by state dues, federal grants and contracts and private contributions. NGA represents the governors of the fifty U.S. states and five U.S. territories The National Governors Association...
- New Jersey Senate Democrats Website Biography
- New Jersey Voter Information Website 2003
Richard James Codey (born November 27, 1946) is an American Democratic Party
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
politician who served as the 53rd Governor of New Jersey
Governor of New Jersey
The Office of the Governor of New Jersey is the executive branch for the U.S. state of New Jersey. The office of Governor is an elected position, for which elected officials serve four year terms. While individual politicians may serve as many terms as they can be elected to, Governors cannot be...
from November 2004 to January 2006. He has served in the New Jersey Senate
New Jersey Senate
The New Jersey Senate was established as the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature by the Constitution of 1844, replacing the Legislative Council. From 1844 until 1965 New Jersey's counties elected one Senator, each. Under the 1844 Constitution the term of office was three years. The 1947...
since 1981 and served as the President of the Senate from 2002 to January 2010. He represents the 27th Legislative District, which covers the western portions of Essex County
Essex County, New Jersey
Essex County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the United States 2010 Census, the population was 783,969, ranking it third in the state after Bergen County and Middlesex County; Essex County's population has declined from 786,147 as of the bureau's...
. Codey is currently the second most senior senator in the New Jersey Senate, after Gerald Cardinale
Gerald Cardinale
Gerald Cardinale is an American Republican Party politician, who has served in the New Jersey State Senate since 1982, where he represents the 39th Legislative District...
. His 2011 Campaign web page is at http://www.richardjcodey.com/.
Biography
Codey grew up in his family's funeral homeFuneral home
A funeral home, funeral parlor or mortuary, is a business that provides burial and funeral services for the deceased and their families. These services may include aprepared wake and funeral, and the provision of a chapel for the funeral....
in Orange
Orange, New Jersey
The City of Orange is a city and township in Essex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 30,134...
and graduated from Oratory Preparatory School
Oratory Preparatory School
Oratory Preparatory School, commonly known as Oratory Prep, is a Roman Catholic college preparatory day school for boys in grades 7-12, located in Summit, New Jersey, United States, approximately west of Manhattan...
in Summit
Summit, New Jersey
Summit is a city in Union County, New Jersey, United States. At the 2010 United States Census, the city's population was 21,457. Summit had the 16th-highest per capita income in the state as of the 2000 Census....
. He went on to take over his father's job as a licensed funeral director
Funeral director
A funeral director , also known as a mortician or undertaker, is a professional involved in the business of funeral rites. These tasks often entail the embalming and burial or cremation of the dead, as well as the planning and arrangement of the actual funeral ceremony...
. When his father, Donald, became the county coroner
Coroner
A coroner is a government official who* Investigates human deaths* Determines cause of death* Issues death certificates* Maintains death records* Responds to deaths in mass disasters* Identifies unknown dead* Other functions depending on local laws...
, Richard was drafted to help with death scene pickups. Codey remembered, "I was 14, taking bodies out of train wrecks. You grow up quick."
Codey left the funeral trade to try his hand in politics in 1973 when he was first elected to the State Assembly
New Jersey General Assembly
The New Jersey General Assembly is the lower house of the New Jersey Legislature.Since the election of 1967 , the Assembly has consisted of 80 members. Two members are elected from each of New Jersey's 40 legislative districts for a term of two years, each representing districts with average...
, with Eldridge Hawkins
Eldridge Hawkins
Eldridge Hawkins was an American lawyer and Democratic Party politician who served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1972 to 1978....
as his running mate. He served in the Assembly from 1974 to 1981. In 1981 he earned a bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
in education from Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private university founded as a junior college in 1942. It now has several campuses located in New Jersey, Canada, and the United Kingdom.-Description:...
. Codey was elected to the State Senate
New Jersey Senate
The New Jersey Senate was established as the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature by the Constitution of 1844, replacing the Legislative Council. From 1844 until 1965 New Jersey's counties elected one Senator, each. Under the 1844 Constitution the term of office was three years. The 1947...
that same year and has since risen through the ranks to become Senate President. He first ascended to that post in 2002 to 2010. He serves in the Senate on the Legislative Services Commission. He also has a hockey arena named in his honor, also known as South Mountain Arena in West Orange, New Jersey
West Orange, New Jersey
West Orange is a township in central Essex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 46,207...
.
Acting gubernatorial service 2002
Following Governor Christine Todd WhitmanChristine Todd Whitman
Christine Todd "Christie" Whitman is an American Republican politician and author who served as the 50th Governor of New Jersey from 1994 to 2001, and was the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in the administration of President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2003. She was New...
's resignation the previous year to become head of the EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress...
, Codey was one of three different Senate Presidents (along with Donald DiFrancesco
Donald DiFrancesco
Donald Thomas DiFrancesco was the 51st Governor of New Jersey from 2001 to 2002 by virtue of his status as President of the New Jersey Senate, the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature....
and John O. Bennett
John O. Bennett
John O. Bennett III is a former New Jersey Republican politician who served as State Senator, President of the State Senate, and Acting Governor of New Jersey during the course of his career.-Education:...
, along with Attorney General John Farmer
John Farmer Jr.
John J. Farmer, Jr. is an American lawyer, politician and jurist. Since 2009, Farmer has been Dean of Rutgers School of Law-Newark. He served as Acting Governor of New Jersey for 90 minutes on January 8, 2002, by virtue of his status as New Jersey Attorney General.-Early Life and Career :Farmer...
) to serve as Acting Governor for the one-year period between Whitman's resignation and Jim McGreevey
Jim McGreevey
James Edward "Jim" McGreevey is an American Democratic politician. He served as the 52nd Governor of New Jersey from January 15, 2002, until he resigned from office at 11:59 pm on November 15, 2004. His term was set to expire on January 17, 2006...
's inauguration. DiFrancesco served as acting governor for all but the last week of this period, until his term as senate president ended. Farmer, Bennett and Codey then divided the last week of the term among them, with Codey serving for three days, from January 12, 2002, to January 15, 2002.
Gubernatorial service 2004–2006
Codey became Acting Governor again with the resignation of Jim McGreeveyJim McGreevey
James Edward "Jim" McGreevey is an American Democratic politician. He served as the 52nd Governor of New Jersey from January 15, 2002, until he resigned from office at 11:59 pm on November 15, 2004. His term was set to expire on January 17, 2006...
on November 15, 2004. According to the New Jersey State Constitution
New Jersey State Constitution
The Constitution of the State of New Jersey is the basic governing document of the State of New Jersey. In addition to three British Royal Charters issued for East Jersey, West Jersey and united New Jersey while they were still colonies, the state has been governed by three constitutions...
at the time, in the event of a vacancy in the Governor's office, the President of the State Senate takes on the additional position of Acting Governor until the next gubernatorial election. After taking over in 2004 Codey became popular with many New Jersey residents and reportedly considered a run for a full four-year term. However, U.S. Senator
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
Jon Corzine
Jon Corzine
Jon Stevens Corzine is the former CEO of Goldman Sachs and of MF Global, and a one time American politician, who served as the 54th Governor of New Jersey from 2006 to 2010. A Democrat, Corzine served five years of a six-year U.S. Senate term representing New Jersey before being elected Governor...
's large number of endorsements as well as his large campaign war chest, funded primarily by his great personal wealth, convinced Codey to announce officially on January 31, 2005 that he would step aside. Codey served as Governor until Corzine was sworn in on January 17, 2006 following Corzine's victory in the November 8, 2005 elections
New Jersey gubernatorial election, 2005
The New Jersey gubernatorial election of 2005 was a race for the Governor of New Jersey. It was held on November 8, 2005. Incumbent Democratic Governor Richard Codey, who replaced Governor Jim McGreevey in 2004 after his resignation, did not run for election for a full term of office.The primary...
. Some had speculated that Codey could be a possible candidate for Corzine's vacant seat in the United States Senate
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
, with Corzine appointing his own successor once he was sworn in as Governor. However, Codey announced on November 23, 2005 that he was not interested in the Senate seat.
With the passage on November 8, 2005, of a constitutional amendment
Constitutional amendment
A constitutional amendment is a formal change to the text of the written constitution of a nation or state.Most constitutions require that amendments cannot be enacted unless they have passed a special procedure that is more stringent than that required of ordinary legislation...
creating the position of Lieutenant Governor
Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey
The Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is a position that has existed since January 2010, following conjoint election with the Governor of New Jersey. The position was created as the result of a Constitutional amendment to the New Jersey State Constitution passed by the voters on November 8, 2005...
, Codey became the last person to serve simultaneously as Governor and Senate President.
On January 9, 2006, Codey became Governor (no longer Acting Governor
Acting governor
An acting governor is a constitutional position created in some U.S. states when the governor dies in office or resigns. In some states, the governor may also be declared to be incapacitated and unable to function for various reasons, including illness and absence from the state for more than a...
) as a result of his signing legislation that provided that a person who serves as Acting Governor for a continuous period of at least 180 days will be "Governor of the State of New Jersey" for official and historical purposes. This law was made retroactive to 2001, covering both Codey's service after McGreevey's resignation and the service of Donald DiFrancesco
Donald DiFrancesco
Donald Thomas DiFrancesco was the 51st Governor of New Jersey from 2001 to 2002 by virtue of his status as President of the New Jersey Senate, the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature....
following the resignation of Governor Christine Todd Whitman
Christine Todd Whitman
Christine Todd "Christie" Whitman is an American Republican politician and author who served as the 50th Governor of New Jersey from 1994 to 2001, and was the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in the administration of President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2003. She was New...
in 2001. This made DiFrancesco New Jersey's 51st governor and Codey the 53rd.
Codey has been an outspoken advocate of mental health
Mental health
Mental health describes either a level of cognitive or emotional well-being or an absence of a mental disorder. From perspectives of the discipline of positive psychology or holism mental health may include an individual's ability to enjoy life and procure a balance between life activities and...
awareness and strongly favors including mental health funding in employee medical benefit packages and Medicare
Medicare (United States)
Medicare is a social insurance program administered by the United States government, providing health insurance coverage to people who are aged 65 and over; to those who are under 65 and are permanently physically disabled or who have a congenital physical disability; or to those who meet other...
. Both Codey and his wife, Mary Jo
Mary Jo Codey
Mary Jo Codey is an American schoolteacher and former First Lady of New Jersey. She and her husband, Governor Richard Codey, served their state from November 16, 2004 to January 17, 2006....
, have spoken candidly about her past struggles with postpartum depression
Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression , also called postnatal depression, is a form of clinical depression which can affect women, and less frequently men, typically after childbirth. Studies report prevalence rates among women from 5% to 25%, but methodological differences among the studies make the actual...
. In early 2005, Codey responded in person to New Jersey 101.5
WKXW-FM
WKXW is a radio station based just outside of Trenton, New Jersey. The station is licensed to serve the Trenton area on 101.5 MHz FM and is also streamed on the station's website. It is owned by Townsquare Media...
talk radio
Talk radio
Talk radio is a radio format containing discussion about topical issues. Most shows are regularly hosted by a single individual, and often feature interviews with a number of different guests. Talk radio typically includes an element of listener participation, usually by broadcasting live...
host Craig Carton
Craig Carton
Craig Harris Carton is an American radio personality who currently co-hosts the Boomer and Carton in the Morning radio program.-Biography:...
, who jokingly criticized Mary Jo and her mental health on the air. Some argue that Codey's comments were a physical threat against the radio personality. The Governor himself admits to telling Carton during the altercation that he wished he could "take [Carton] outside", while in the presence of the six New Jersey State Police
New Jersey State Police
The New Jersey State Police is the state police force for the state of New Jersey. It is a general-powers police agency with state wide jurisdiction when requested by the Governor, designated by Troop Sectors.-History:...
men who were serving as his personal bodyguards. There was some speculation that this incident helped Codey decide not to run for a full term as governor. In July 2005, Codey also defended actress Brooke Shields
Brooke Shields
Brooke Christa Shields is an American actress and model. Some of her better-known movies include Pretty Baby and The Blue Lagoon, as well as TV shows such as Suddenly Susan, That '70s Show and Lipstick Jungle....
after she faced criticism for discussing her postpartum depression
Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression , also called postnatal depression, is a form of clinical depression which can affect women, and less frequently men, typically after childbirth. Studies report prevalence rates among women from 5% to 25%, but methodological differences among the studies make the actual...
. In December 2005, Codey appeared on Carton's radio program to help put the incident behind both of them.
Codey appointed Mary Jane Cooper to be New Jersey's first-ever Inspector General, a position created to root out waste and mismanagement in government. Codey added $7 million in new funding to agencies devoted to public accountability, per the recommendations that resulted from an audit of state ethics codes that he commissioned. In March 2005, Codey cracked down on pay to play
Pay to Play
Pay to play, sometimes pay for play, is a phrase used for a variety of situations in which money is exchanged for services or the privilege to engage in certain activities...
when he signed a law banning campaign contributions by businesses holding state contracts in several circumstances.
As governor, Codey championed a bill to ban smoking from indoor spaces in the state, more money for stem cell research, increased funding for mental health, and sports. Codey created a task force to recommend ways to end steroid abuse in high school and college sports in the state. The task force established drug testing for high school athletes on teams that play in the championship. The state will pay for the drug testing program. He also successfully negotiated for a new stadium to be constructed jointly by the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
and New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
In December 2005, Codey announced he was not accepting a new state slogan recommended by the State Commerce Department, following a study by a marketing consultant, which was paid for by the state. He said he felt the slogan "We'll win you over" made the state seem desperate. Governor Codey openly solicited slogan suggestions from citizens and then choose five finalists, which he opened to a vote from the public. Days prior to leaving the governor's office, Codey announced the winner: New Jersey: Come See for Yourself.
Shortly before leaving office, Codey signed the first legislative moratorium on capital punishment enacted by any state in the nation. The moratorium ended with the permanent ban of capital punishment by Codey's successor, Corzine.
As Corzine attended the swearing in of Bob Menendez as a U.S. Senator on January 18, 2006, in Washington, D.C., Codey spent part of his first day as former governor as the acting governor of the state.
Return to Senate service
New Jersey Senate
The New Jersey Senate was established as the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature by the Constitution of 1844, replacing the Legislative Council. From 1844 until 1965 New Jersey's counties elected one Senator, each. Under the 1844 Constitution the term of office was three years. The 1947...
in 2007. Codey represents the 27th Legislative District together with Assemblyman
New Jersey General Assembly
The New Jersey General Assembly is the lower house of the New Jersey Legislature.Since the election of 1967 , the Assembly has consisted of 80 members. Two members are elected from each of New Jersey's 40 legislative districts for a term of two years, each representing districts with average...
John F. McKeon
John F. McKeon
John F. McKeon, Jr. is an American Democratic Party politician, who has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 2002, where he represents the 27th legislative district, which covers the western portion of Essex County...
, who is coincidentally also the mayor of West Orange
West Orange, New Jersey
West Orange is a township in central Essex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 46,207...
, a town in Essex County, New Jersey
Essex County, New Jersey
Essex County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the United States 2010 Census, the population was 783,969, ranking it third in the state after Bergen County and Middlesex County; Essex County's population has declined from 786,147 as of the bureau's...
, where Senator Codey's family was raised. Codey and his family lived in West Orange until 2009, when they moved to neighboring Roseland
Roseland, New Jersey
Roseland is a borough in western Essex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 5,819...
. The other Assembly seat is occupied by Mila Jasey
Mila Jasey
Mila M. Jasey is an American Democratic Party politician from South Orange, who serves in the New Jersey General Assembly, where she represents the 27th Legislative District seat that had been vacated by Mims Hackett on September 10, 2007...
, who was elected to fill the seat in November 2007 after the resignation of Mims Hackett
Mims Hackett
Mims Hackett is an American Democratic Party politician, who served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2002-2007, where he represented 27th Legislative District, which covers the western portion of Essex County....
on September 8, 2007.
In September, 2006, during Mr. Menendez's re-election campaign for his U.S. Senate seat, it was revealed that Menendez was the subject of an ongoing federal criminal investigation. The situation closely resembles the situation faced by Robert Torricelli
Robert Torricelli
Robert Guy Torricelli , nicknamed "the Torch," is an American politician from the U.S. state of New Jersey. Torricelli, a Democrat, served 14 years in the U.S. House of Representatives before being elected to the U.S. Senate...
in his 2002 re-election campaign, where ethical problems and declining poll numbers led to Torricelli exiting the race, to be replaced as the Democratic candidate by former senator Frank Lautenberg
Frank Lautenberg
Frank Raleigh Lautenberg is the senior United States Senator from New Jersey and a member of the Democratic Party. Previously, he was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Automatic Data Processing, Inc.-Early life, career, and family:...
. Political observers speculated that Codey could be tapped to fill the candidate's slot should Menendez decide to withdraw from the race. However, on November 7, 2006, Menendez was elected to a full term.
Codey briefly resigned as President of the Senate for one day in January 2008 in order to let retiring Sen. Bernard Kenny
Bernard Kenny
Bernard F. Kenny, Jr. is an American Democratic Party politician, who served in the New Jersey State Senate from 1993 to 2008, where he represented the 33rd Legislative District...
of Hoboken
Hoboken, New Jersey
Hoboken is a city in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population was 50,005. The city is part of the New York metropolitan area and contains Hoboken Terminal, a major transportation hub for the region...
to serve as Senate President on his last day in office. Senator Kenny had served as Senate Majority Leader under Codey. Kenny served as Senate President from January 7 to January 8, when Senator Codey was reelected to the Senate Presidency for the next legislative session.
Acting gubernatorial service in 2007
On April 12, 2007, Codey became Acting Governor of New Jersey when Corzine was incapacitated due to serious injuries suffered in a car accident that day. Codey became Acting Governor since New Jersey did not have the position of Lieutenant GovernorLieutenant Governor of New Jersey
The Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is a position that has existed since January 2010, following conjoint election with the Governor of New Jersey. The position was created as the result of a Constitutional amendment to the New Jersey State Constitution passed by the voters on November 8, 2005...
until after the 2009 election. Corzine resumed his duties as Governor on May 7, 2007.
Potential gubernatorial candidate in 2009
The Obama administration approached Codey in 2009 to consider running for governor in Corzine's place if the incumbent withdrew from his reelection bid, citing polls showing that Codey led Republican Chris Christie. Corzine remained in the race and lost to ChristieNew Jersey gubernatorial election, 2009
The New Jersey gubernatorial election of 2009 took place on November 3, 2009. Democratic Governor Jon Corzine was running for a second term and was being challenged by Republican Chris Christie, Independent Christopher Daggett and nine others, in addition to several write-in candidates...
.
Public opinion summary
Former Governor Jim McGreeveyJim McGreevey
James Edward "Jim" McGreevey is an American Democratic politician. He served as the 52nd Governor of New Jersey from January 15, 2002, until he resigned from office at 11:59 pm on November 15, 2004. His term was set to expire on January 17, 2006...
was the 11th governor in the history of the United States to resign due to a political scandal. In August 2004, just after McGreevey announced his intention to leave the office that November, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private university founded as a junior college in 1942. It now has several campuses located in New Jersey, Canada, and the United Kingdom.-Description:...
’s PublicMind measured public views of his soon-to-be successor, Richard Codey, president of the New Jersey Senate
New Jersey Senate
The New Jersey Senate was established as the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature by the Constitution of 1844, replacing the Legislative Council. From 1844 until 1965 New Jersey's counties elected one Senator, each. Under the 1844 Constitution the term of office was three years. The 1947...
. In a study released on August 16 2004, FDU reported that 68% of New Jersey voters did not recognize Richard Codey’s name. Nevertheless, 30% of voters shared a favorable view of him while only 9% reported an unfavorable view.
Even two months later, in early October 2004, FDU’s poll release entitled “Richard Who?” found that, despite that Codey would soon take take over as governor from McGreevey, the name Richard Codey remained unknown to 59% of New Jersey voters. However, voters who knew him held distinctly more favorable than unfavorable views by a two to one ratio, (23%-10%).
By early January 2005, when PublicMind again conducted a statewide study in which voters were asked: “Have you heard of Richard Codey?,” the numbers showed that 35% of New Jersey voters still did not recognize Codey’s name. However, 48% had a favorable view of him compared to 7% of those who had an unfavorable view, “a formidable 7:1 ratio” said the press release.
According to the next FDU PublicMind poll released on April 13, 2005, Gov. Codey’s recognition had improved significantly since the previous August when former Gov. McGreevey announced his resignation. Five months after assuming office, four of five voters (78%) recognized his name, (a 46-point increase from August 2004). In addition, voters were twice as likely to have a favorable view (51%) as opposed to an unfavorable view (25%) of the governor, while a two-to-one ratio despite that three in five (59%) also lamented the state was “on the wrong track.”
In a study conducted by FDU PublicMind on July 21, 2005, results showed that 51% of NJ voters believed the state was moving on the wrong track. Nevertheless, their concerns about the state’s problems did not impact the image of Gov. Codey. In this same poll, voters felt more sympathetic towards Gov. Codey. Numbers indicated that half of the voters in NJ rated Codey’s performance as excellent or good. Only 8% reported that he was doing a poor job. Dr. Peter J Woolley, professor of political science and Executive Director of PublicMind commented: “That’s pretty good for New Jersey…Codey’s plain spoken approach seems to soften people’s views of the state’s problems.”
According to a PublicMind poll release from September 27, 2005, a total of 21% of NJ voters still did not recognize their incumbent governor Richard Codey. However, this was a remarkable increase in recognition from six months earlier when 35% of voters failed to recognize his name. In addition, more than half of the voters (57%) agreed that his performance could be considered “good” or “excellent.”
A few months later, a sizeable majority of NJ voters still retained a favorable view of the new governor over unfavorable. A PublicMind study released on November 22, 2005 indicated that 65% of voters shared a favorable/somewhat favorable view of Gov. Codey, over a 11% somewhat unfavorable/very unfavorable view.
As Gov. Codey prepared to leave office, making way for newly elected governor Jon Corzine
Jon Corzine
Jon Stevens Corzine is the former CEO of Goldman Sachs and of MF Global, and a one time American politician, who served as the 54th Governor of New Jersey from 2006 to 2010. A Democrat, Corzine served five years of a six-year U.S. Senate term representing New Jersey before being elected Governor...
, Gov. Codey handed off a state that believed to be heading in the wrong track. In a FDU PublicMind Poll study released on January 12, 2006, it showed that 48% of the voters disagreed with the direction the state was headed. However, even though voters had a negative view of the state, they did not relate their negative opinion towards Gov. Codey. During his final days as governor, Richard Codey received distinguished approval by NJ voters. In the same poll study, numbers indicated that 68% of voters who recognized Gov. Codey had a favorable opinion of him.
Now that former Gov. Codey has been out of office for over five years, he continues to make headlines as a prospective candidate for governor. In a recent FDU PublicMind Poll release from September 27, 2011, voters were asked “If you could pick a Democrat to run against Chris Christie for governor, who would you prefer?” Richard Codey came up as the most adequate candidate at 18% among other well-known Democrats like Cory Booker
Cory Booker
Cory Anthony Booker is the Mayor of Newark, New Jersey. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Booker is a former Newark City Councilman...
and Frank Pallone
Frank Pallone
Frank Pallone, Jr. is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1993. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He previously represented the 3rd district from 1988 to 1993.-Early life, education, and early political career:...
.
In 2011, former Gov. Codey also published his autobiography entitled “Me, Governor?” a humorous autobiography in which he discusses various chapters of his life as governor of New Jersey. In a section of his book, he cites a FDU PublicMind poll study that was conducted about three years after he left office. According to the results from the poll on March 4, 2009, he was still the most popular politician in the state of New Jersey with 41% favorable over 15% unfavorable views. Woolley was quoted in the text saying, “If he could sing, he’d be a rock star.”
Cabinet
- Virginia BauerVirginia BauerVirginia Samaras Bauer is an advocate for families of the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks and a government leader in New Jersey. She currently is a Commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. She is a former New Jersey Secretary of Commerce, Economic Growth and...
, Secretary of Commerce, Economic Growth and Tourism - George Hayman, Acting Commissioner of Corrections (as of January 3, 2006)
- Donald BryanDonald BryanDonald Bryan is the former Acting Commissioner of Banking and Insurance in New Jersey. A career employee of his department, served as Director of the Division of Insurance from 1999 to 2006, where he served two separate stints as acting commissioner....
, Acting Commissioner of Banking and Insurance - Peter Cammarano, Chief of Staff to the Governor
- Bradley Campbell, Commissioner of Environmental Protection
- Thomas Carver, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development (until October 2005)
- James DavyJames DavyJames Davy is the former Commissioner of Human Services in New Jersey, holding the position under former Governors James McGreevey and Jon Corzine...
, Commissioner of Human Services - Lucille DavyLucille DavyLucille Davy was the Commissioner of Education in New Jersey. She was named acting commissioner on September 9, 2005, by former Governor of New Jersey Richard Codey. She was named commissioner by Gov. Jon Corzine as of July 11, 2006....
, Acting Commissioner of Education (from September 2005) - Paul Fader, Chief Counsel to the Governor
- Jeanne FoxJeanne FoxJeanne Fox is the President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. She was originally appointed to the position in 2002 by former Gov. James McGreevey and was retained in the Cabinets of former Gov. Richard Codey and Gov. Jon Corzine....
, President of the Board of Public Utilities - Col. Joseph Fuentes, Superintendent of the State PoliceNew Jersey State PoliceThe New Jersey State Police is the state police force for the state of New Jersey. It is a general-powers police agency with state wide jurisdiction when requested by the Governor, designated by Troop Sectors.-History:...
- Peter C. HarveyPeter C. HarveyPeter C. Harvey was the first African American to serve as New Jersey Attorney General. Harvey was appointed by New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey as Acting Attorney General on February 15, 2003, and was confirmed by the New Jersey Senate as Attorney General on June 16, 2003...
, State Attorney General - Dr. Fred Jacobs, Commissioner of Health and Senior Services
- Charles Kuperus, Secretary of Agriculture
- John Lettiere, Commissioner of Transportation
- Susan Bass LevinSusan Bass LevinSusan Bass Levin is the current President and CEO of Cooper University Health System's Cooper Foundation. Levin is a Democratic Party politician in New Jersey, and previously served as First Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey...
, Commissioner of Community Affairs (until June 2005) - William Librera, Commissioner of Education (until September 2005)
- John McCormacJohn McCormacJohn McCormac is an American Democratic Party politician, who is serving as the Mayor of Woodbridge Township, New Jersey. He served as State Treasurer of New Jersey for four years in the cabinets of former Governor of New Jersey James McGreevey and former Gov...
, State Treasurer - Charles RichmanCharles RichmanCharles Richman is the acting commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. He also served as acting commissioner in the cabinet of former Gov. Richard Codey....
, Acting Commissioner of Community Affairs (from June 2005) - Major Gen. Glenn K. RiethGlenn K. RiethGlenn K. Rieth is the Adjutant General of New Jersey, and is the commander of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard which compose the New Jersey Department of Military Affairs...
, Adjutant GeneralAdjutant generalAn Adjutant General is a military chief administrative officer.-Imperial Russia:In Imperial Russia, the General-Adjutant was a Court officer, who was usually an army general. He served as a personal aide to the Tsar and hence was a member of the H. I. M. Retinue... - A.J. Sabath, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development (from October 2005)
- Seema Singh, Ratepayer Advocate
- Regena ThomasRegena ThomasRegena Thomas is the former Secretary of State of New Jersey and a political consultant. She served in the cabinets of former Gov. James McGreevey and former Gov. Richard Codey....
, Secretary of State of New JerseySecretary of State of New JerseyThe Secretary of State of New Jersey is responsible for overseeing artistic, cultural, and historical programs within the U.S. state of New Jersey, as well as volunteerism and community service projects within the state.... - Rolando Torres, Commissioner of Personnel
External links
- Richard Codey's 2011 Campaign web page
- New Jersey legislative web page, New Jersey LegislatureNew Jersey LegislatureThe New Jersey Legislature is the legislative branch of the government of the U.S. state of New Jersey. In its current form, as defined by the New Jersey Constitution of 1947, the Legislature consists of two houses: the General Assembly and the Senate...
- New Jersey Legislature financial disclosure forms
- New Jersey Governor Richard J. Codey, National Governors AssociationNational Governors AssociationThe National Governors Association , founded in 1908 as the National Governors' Conference, is funded primarily by state dues, federal grants and contracts and private contributions. NGA represents the governors of the fifty U.S. states and five U.S. territories The National Governors Association...
- New Jersey Senate Democrats Website Biography
- New Jersey Voter Information Website 2003