Corzine to declare early for governor

[Freddie Stubbs]

By Tom Turcol

Inquirer Staff Writer


New Jersey Sen. Jon S. Corzine is launching his campaign for governor this week, two months earlier than planned, in a bid to close the door on a potential challenge from fellow Democrat and acting Gov. Richard J. Codey.

Corzine, whose record-setting campaign spending propelled him to the U.S. Senate in 2000, enters next year's race as the heavy favorite because of his personal fortune and polls that rank him the state's most popular political figure.

Widely considered the Democratic heir apparent for governor since James E. McGreevey announced his resignation in August, Corzine had initially planned to declare his candidacy as late as March.

But he is making his move now, just two weeks after Codey took over for McGreevey, to preempt advances that Codey has made toward seeking the nomination in the June primary.

more: http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/10284289.htm

[jerseygirl]

1. More Corzine articles

Basically the same as the Inky's story:
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-7/1101362154258470.xml

Some insight from Dave Rebovich:
http://www.politicsnj.com/rebovich112804.htm

The weekend NYT NJ section also had a great article on Rob Andrews, but I can't find it online.

[Reverend_Smitty]

2. I really wish Corzine would stay in the senate...

we need him there. But I think he wants to have a shot at the presidency one day, since the only people who won it in the last 40 years have been governors

[ramapo]

3. I am less than thrilled

I understand being a Democratic Senator can be less than fulfilling these days but I think we need him to stay where he is. Lautenberg will not be running again so there could be two open Democratic Senator spots. Not good.

Corzine for President? Hillary has a better chance.

[Hippo_Tron]

6. Corzine wouldn't stand a chance in the presidential race right now

1) Genuinely a liberal, he's definately a good bit to the left of Kerry. However, since the GOP already used the "#1 liberal in the senate card" on Kerry it will be interesting to see what they use on the next guy. I guess they're banking on us not running a senator.

2) Filthy rich. Although to his credit, he was born in the industrial midwest to a working class family and his fortune is self-made.

3) Northeasterner, we know how that goes.

But besides these flaws little issues that should really be issues, he would make an awesome presidential candidate. Maybe in a couple of years the American public will have shifted a bit more into the right direction. I can't imagine him running for Governor from the Senate unless he wants to run for prez. Senators don't have term limits, Governors generally do, and even if they don't, it's much easier to stay in the senate for long periods of time than to be a governor for a long period of time.

[Kire]

7. Corzine gets to appoint his replacement until the term is up in '06

[Osamasux]

4. Ditto

I wish Corzine would stay in the senate. Menendez will take one of the open seats (Lautenberg or Corzine).

[njdemocrat106]

5. Corzine should stay in the senate

I believe that Codey could be great governor. He seems to be in tune with us New Jerseyans, if you ask me.

[DaveinMD]

8. Corzine

as Governor would be great. Dems would have the edge to hold onto any Senate seat. There is no shortage of great candidates in the Party.