Richard Codey
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Richard James Codey (born November 27, 1946) is an American Democratic politician from West Orange, New Jersey currently serving as Acting Governor of that state since the resignation of Governor James McGreevey, due to a sex scandal, 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, representing the Essex County district of the state. 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.
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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 previously served as Acting Governor of New Jersey for three and one half 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 four-year term. However, U.S. Senator Jon Corzine's large amount of endorsements as well as his large campaign war chest, funded primarily by his great personal wealth, caused Codey to announce officially on January 31, 2005 that he would step aside. Codey will serve as Acting Governor until he is no longer Senate President or until a new elected Governor is sworn in, scheduled for January 2006 following the November 2005 elections.
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 Mary Jo's past struggles with postpartum depression. In early 2005, Codey created some controversy by responding in person to New Jersey 101.5 talk radio host Craig Carton, who criticized Mary Jo and her mental health on the air. Some argue that his comments were a physical threat against the radio personality. The Acting Governor himself admits to telling Carton during the altercation that he wished he could "take you outside". Shortly after this incident, Codey said that after careful consideration, he would not run for governor in 2005, preferring instead a more private life.
Codey is next up for election to the Senate in 2007.
External link
- New Jersey Legislature Profile (http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/Codey.asp)
| Preceded by: Acting Governor John Bennett | Acting Governor of New Jersey January 12, 2002–January 15, 2002 | Succeeded by: James McGreevey (as Governor) |
| Preceded by: James McGreevey | Acting Governor of New Jersey November 15, 2004– | Succeeded by: incumbent |