Richard Codey, Acting Governor of New Jersey

Richard James Codey (born November 27, 1946) is an American politician from New Jersey currently serving as Acting Governor of that state since the resignation of Governor James McGreevey took effect on November 15, 2004. Codey has been the Democratic President of the New Jersey Senate (the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature) since 2002. According to the New Jersey constitution, if the Governor's office becomes vacant, the President of the State Senate shall take on the additional position as Acting Governor until the next gubernatorial election.

Codey has served as a state senator since 1982, and earlier as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly from 1974 to 1981. As Senate President, he also perviously served as Acting Governor of New Jersey for four days in January 2002. After taking over in 2004 Codey became popular with many New Jersey residents and reportedly considered a run for a full 4-year term. However, Senator Jon Corzine's large amount of endorsements as well as his large campaign war chest caused Codey to officially announce on January 31, 2005 that he would step aside. Codey will serve as Acting Governor as long as he is Senate President or until a new elected Governor is sworn in, scheduled for January 2006 following the November 2005 elections.

External link

• New Jersey Legislature Profile (http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/Codey.asp)