U.S. Sen. Jon Corzine (D) defeated businessman Doug Forrester (R) 53 percent to 44 percent in a governor’s race marked by mudslinging and dominated by concerns over high property taxes and corruption. Corzine succeeds former Gov. Jim McGreevey (D), who resigned last year after admitting to a homosexual affair, leaving in place an acting governor, Senate President Richard Codey (D). To smooth the lines of succession, voters also agreed to amend the state Constitution to create the post of lieutenant governor .Eighty seats in the state Assenbly were in play.
- Governor’s race—Jon Corzine (D) (53 percent) vs. Doug Forrester (R) (44 percent) Assembly—80 seats . The Star-Ledger is reporting Democrats picked up at least one seat to bolster their current 47-33 majority.
- Ballot initiative—Create a lieutenant governor’s position. Passed 55.6 percent.
- Ballot initiative—Reroute state money to combat air pollution (second item). Passed 55.9 percent.
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