Richard Codey
Richard James Codey ( born November 27, 1946 in Orange, New Jersey ) is an American politician (Democratic Party) and a former Governor of the State of New Jersey.
Codey graduated as a bachelor's degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. In 1973 he was elected to the General Assembly, the lower house of the state Legislature of New Jersey, which he was a member until 1981. He then moved to the Senate of the State. The former teacher, who now works as an insurer, was there among other Assistant Minority Leader, between 1998 and 2001 even Minority Leader ( Leader of the Opposition ).
On 12 January 2002 Codey assumed the position of President of the Senate and at the same time the role of interim governor. This was due to the previously performed in the resignation of Governor Christine Todd Whitman. She was followed by Donald DiFrancesco reigning at that time President of the Senate. When his term of office expired and another week was to bridge up with James McGreevey elected successor took over the post, the two factions agreed to divide the remaining days among themselves. Republican John Bennett officiated from 8 to 12 January, Codey then until 15 January.
Richard Codey then returned to the Senate, but had as president of this body on 15 November 2004 again the role of interim governor take over after James McGreevey resigned. This time he held these posts, until 17 January 2006. An initially being considered as candidates in the next election he rejected in favor of U.S. Senator Jon Corzine, who took for the Democrats and then was victorious.
As a result, it was decided to create the hitherto non-existent office of Lieutenant Governor in the event that the governor resigns, dies or for any other reason can not fulfill his duties. Even before the establishment of this position, however, had to take over for the third time as President of the Senate, the Office of the Acting Governor, Jon Corzine as on 12 April 2007 suffered a serious car accident and was in critical condition for some time Richard Codey. After Corzine's recovery Codey was passed back to him the office on 7 May 2007.