Obama Victory Could Mean Good News for New Jersey

A possible silver lining for New Jersey in the aftermath of Barack Obama's victory: We may be rid of the ineffectual Jon Corzine as governor.

New Jersey Democratic Gov Jon Corzine on Wednesday said he had not discussed joining the new Obama administration as U.S. Treasury Secretary with anybody, though he added he would never rule anything out.

The possibility that the former co-chairman of Goldman Sachs who also has served as a U.S. senator would be named to lead the Treasury by President-Elect Barack Obama was raised in Wednesday's Star-Ledger newspaper, which said Corzine was being vetted for the post.

"I have not had any conversations with anybody about this job," Corzine said. "I like what I'm doing," he continued. Later, he added: "I am not going to say never to anything.

As New Jersey does not have a Lieutenant Governor, State Senate President Richard Codey would become governor if Corzine were to depart, which would make Codey a two-time governor never elected as such, which may be a first in this country.

Codey, you may recall, became governor after The Gay American, Jim McGreevey, resigned in disgrace in 2004.

Corzine would be up for re-election in 2009 if he stays.

In the New Jersey Senate race, the cadaver in formaldehyde, Frank Lautenberg, won yet again, beating Dick Zimmer handily. No surprise, as New Jersey hasn't elected a GOP Senator since 1972.

Not a single incumbent Congressman lost. My representative, Republican Rodney Frelighuysen, won handily. At least I can say I voted for one winner.