Governor's downfall could bring reform to New Jersey

The messy news of scandal in New Jersey could end up having an impact wider than the political downfall of a governor: It may also revive efforts to reform government in the Garden State.

At the very least, last week's resignation by Gov. James McGreevey is exposing the state's unusual line of succession - with the possibility that for 14 months one man will be both the acting governor and Senate president.

Moreover, New Jersey governors are the most powerful in the nation: They have vast appointment and budget powers. County bosses rake in millions under "pay to play" schemes in which contracts go to campaign donors. And some observers say that, despite reforms three decades ago, the state still has a culture of corruption.

All that is part of the backdrop for Mr. McGreevey's resignation, although it came ostensibly for other reasons: because he says he is gay, cheated on his wife, and is afraid this might leave him vulnerable to "rumors, false allegations and threats of disclosure."

"Our political system is broken," says Cliff Zukin, professor of public policy at Rutgers University. "We deserve better government than this."

Even many of the participants in the political process are crying foul. For example, the state tried to reform the practice of "pay to play," which saw lawyers, accountants, paving contractors, and others making political contributions and then receiving work. Now, however, instead of contributing directly to the candidates, the money goes to the county organizations. "It's a huge loophole," says Tim White, political director of the state Republican party.

Jon Shure, who was communications director for Gov. Jim Florio (D), says he used to defend the system, but that now "it's getting harder and harder." For example, he says, the only official who is elected statewide is the governor. There is no lieutenant governor. "We need some reforms to open up the process."

The state also has no laws requiring state officials to only hold one job. So, when McGreevey steps down Nov. 15, the acting governor will be Richard Codey, who is also the president of the state Senate. This is one reason Republicans are calling for McGreevey to step down immediately. "Fourteen months is far too long to have both jobs," says Mr. White.

A Marist poll conducted immediately after McGreevey's announcement split along party lines: Democrats don't feel he should resign immediately, while Republicans and Independents want him out. "There is a storm forming over the state, and it's called Hurricane McGreevey," predicts Lee Miringoff, the poll's director.

The latest scandal is not expected to make a difference this fall's presidential race. After McGreevey backed Vermont Gov. Howard Dean in the Democratic primary campaign, John Kerry called on Sen. Jon Corzine to run his Garden State campaign. During the Democratic National Convention, McGreevey was barely seen, possibly because the embattled governor's approval rating in the state was so low.

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