2005 New Jersey gubernatorial election explained

See also: 2005 United States gubernatorial elections.

Election Name:2005 New Jersey gubernatorial election
Country:New Jersey
Type:Presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:2001 New Jersey gubernatorial election
Previous Year:2001
Next Election:2009 New Jersey gubernatorial election
Next Year:2009
Election Date:November 8, 2005
Image1:File:SenatorJonCorzine (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:Jon Corzine
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:1,224,551
Percentage1:53.5%
Nominee2:Doug Forrester
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:985,271
Percentage2:43.0%
Governor
Before Election:Richard Codey
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Jon Corzine
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

The 2005 New Jersey gubernatorial election was a race to determine the governor of New Jersey. It was held on November 8, 2005. Democratic governor Richard Codey, who replaced Governor Jim McGreevey in 2004 after his resignation, did not run for election for a full term of office.

The primary election was held on June 7, 2005. U.S. senator Jon Corzine won the Democratic nomination without serious opposition. Former West Windsor Mayor Doug Forrester received the Republican nomination with a plurality of 36%. Corzine defeated Forrester in the general election. New Jersey is reliably Democratic at the federal level, but this was the first time since 1977 in which Democrats won more than one consecutive gubernatorial election in the state. This was the first time since 1965 that a Democrat won a gubernatorial race without Ocean County, and the first since 1961 that they did so without Monmouth County.

The 2005 general election also saw a public referendum question on the ballot for the voters to decide whether to create a position of lieutenant governor, alter the state's order of succession, and whether the state's first lieutenant governor would be chosen in the subsequent gubernatorial election held in 2009.[1] [2] The question passed by a tally of 836,134 votes (56.1%) to 655,333 (43.9%).[3] To date, this is the most recent election that Salem County voted for the Democratic candidate in a gubernatorial race.

Background

Governor Jim McGreevey was elected in 2001 by a large margin but resigned from office in November 2004 after Golan Cipel, an Israeli national and former advisor to the Governor, threatened to bring a lawsuit for sexual harassment, and thus reveal McGreevey was homosexual. Though McGreevey admitted to an "adult consensual affair with another man" on August 12, 2004, he announced that he would not resign from office until November 15, after the fall general election.[4] [5] [6] [7]

McGreevey's decision to delay the effective date of his resignation until after September 3, 2004, avoided a November special election for governor, which would have coincided with the election for President of the United States. The 2004 election between George W. Bush and John Kerry was expected to be competitive, the political aftermath of the September 11 attacks in the state, and some observers speculated that McGreevey's decision to delay his resignation was designed to improve Kerry's political position and preserve Democratic Party control of the office of governor.[8] [9] [10]

Republicans and Democrats alike called upon McGreevey to make his resignation effective immediately.[11] [12] The New York Times editorial board opined, "Mr. McGreevey's strategy to delay resignation does not serve New Jersey residents well. The state will be led by an embattled governor mired in personal and legal problems for three months."[13] On September 15, U.S. District Judge Garrett E. Brown Jr. dismissed Afran v. McGreevey,[14] a lawsuit by Green Party members claiming that the postponement of McGreevey's resignation had left a vacancy, thereby violating New Jerseyans' voting rights.[15] [16]

New Jersey Senate President Richard Codey took office upon McGreevey's resignation[17] and served the remainder of the term until January 17, 2006.[18] At the time of McGreevey's resignation, the New Jersey State Constitution stipulated that the Senate president retains that position while serving as acting governor.[19] In the wake of McGreevey's resignation, and in consideration of other past New Jersey governors who had left office before the end of their terms,[20] [21] the New Jersey legislature passed a resolution establishing a public referendum on the creation of the position of Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey.[22]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

Eliminated in primary

Declined

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

Eliminated in Primary

Declined

Results

General election

Candidates

Debates

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission declared that the four candidates would be included in the official gubernatorial debates to be aired on NJN. They included Jeffrey Pawlowski and Hector Castillo.

Polling

SourceDate Jon
Corzine (D)		Doug
Forrester (R)		OtherUndecided
Rasmussen[28] June 8, 2005 align=center47%40%5%8%
Rutgers[29] June 12, 2005 align=center43%33%––
Quinnipiac[30] June 15, 2005 align=center47%37%––
Rasmussen[31] July 15, 2005 align=center50%38%4%8%
Strategic Vision[32] July 19, 2005 align=center48%40%––
Fairleigh Dickinson-PublicMind[33] July 21, 2005 align=center47%34%––
Rasmussen[34] August 7, 2005 align=center45%37%5%–
Quinnipiac[35] August 10, 2005 align=center50%40%––
Strategic Vision[36] August 18, 2005 align=center50%40%––
Star-Ledger/Eagleton-Rutgers[37] September 12, 2005 align=center48%28%––
Strategic Vision[38] September 16, 2005 align=center47%36%––
Rasmussen[39] September 19, 2005 align=center47%36%5%–
Fairleigh-Dickinson[40] September 26, 2005 align=center48%38%4%10%
Monmouth University[41] September 28, 2005 align=center46%38%––
Quinnipiac[42] September 28, 2005 align=center48%44%––
Rasmussen[43] October 6, 2005 align=center45%38%5%–
Star-Ledger/Eagleton-Rutgers[44] October 3–6, 2005 align=center44%37%––
Marist[45] October 10, 2005 align=center44%43%––
Survey USA[46] October 11, 2005 align=center49%41%5%5%
Strategic Vision[47] October 13, 2005 align=center46%40%––
Quinnipiac[48] October 19, 2005 align=center50%43%––
Rasmussen[49] October 20, 2005 align=center49%40%3%–
Survey USA[50] October 25, 2005 align=center50%41%7%3%
Strategic Vision[51] November 2, 2005 align=center48%42%––
Fairleigh-Dickinson[52] November 2, 2005 align=center44%40%3%13%
Quinnipiac[53] November 2, 2005 align=center50%38%––
Marist College[54] November 4, 2005 align=center51%41%––
Monmouth University[55] November 4, 2005 align=center47%38%––
Rasmussen[56] November 6, 2005 align=center44%39%5%12%
Quinnipiac[57] November 7, 2005 align=center52%45%––
Survey USA[58] November 7, 2005 align=center50%44%5%2%

Results

Results by county

CountyCorzine votesCorzine %Forrester votesForrester %Other votesOther %
34,539 53.3% 28,004 43.2% 2,238 3.5%
142,319 55.6% 108,017 42.2% 5,683 2.2%
64,421 50.5% 57,908 45.4% 5,203 4.1%
76,955 60.4% 45,079 35.4% 5,458 4.3%
14,375 45.2% 16,179 50.9% 1,243 3.9%
18,580 57.2% 12,692 39.0% 1,231 3.8%
131,312 72.7% 45,789 25.4% 3,456 1.9%
41,128 53.2% 33,225 43.0% 3,004 3.9%
87,409 75.4% 25,769 22.2% 2,691 2.3%
15,004 33.6% 27,521 61.6% 2,179 4.9%
56,592 57.1% 38,871 39.2% 3,596 3.6%
107,176 56.0% 75,021 39.2% 9,085 4.7%
85,187 43.8% 101,085 51.9% 8,376 4.3%
60,986 41.3% 82,550 56.0% 3,997 2.7%
71,953 41.6% 93,693 54.2% 7,242 4.2%
61,803 57.9% 41,532 38.9% 3,413 3.2%
10,057 48.6% 9,608 46.5% 1,008 4.9%
40,459 43.3% 49,406 52.8% 3,661 3.9%
14,854 35.1% 25,283 59.7% 2,182 5.2%
77,982 59.2% 50,036 38.0% 3,677 2.8%
11,460 36.8% 18,003 57.9% 1,654 5.3%

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican

See also

External links

Candidates

Notes and References

  1. Mansnerus, Laura. "On Politics: The Advantage of Having A Lieutenant Governor" in The New York Times (March 27, 2005). Retrieved August 30, 2013.
  2. New Jersey State Legislature. Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 2 (SCR2): "A Concurrent Resolution proposing to amend Articles II, IV, V, and XI of the Constitution of the State of New Jersey" (2004) and Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 100 (ACR100): "A Concurrent Resolution proposing to amend Articles II, IV, V and XI of the Constitution of the State of New Jersey" (2005). Retrieved 30 August 2013. Note that The New Jersey State Legislature doesn't provide distinct web addresses for its transactions on specific bills, however, at http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bills/BillView.asp click on "Bills 2004–2005" and search for ACR100 and SCR2 for these bills, vote tallies and historical information regarding their passage.
  3. New Jersey Division of Elections (New Jersey Department of State). "Official List Ballot Questions Tally For November 2005 General Election" (certified 16 December 2005). Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  4. The Governor's Secret Life. Time. 164. 8. John. Cloud. August 23, 2004. April 20, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20070222170111/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101040823-682286,00.html. February 22, 2007. live.
  5. News: McGreevey: 'I am a gay American'. CNN. August 13, 2004. November 4, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20040814025742/http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/08/12/mcgreevey.transcript/index.html. August 14, 2004. dead.
  6. News: New Jersey governor quits, comes out as gay. CNN. August 13, 2004. November 4, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20040816080014/https://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/08/12/mcgreevey.nj/. August 16, 2004. dead.
  7. News: McGreevey to quit, declares 'I am a gay American'. August 13, 2004. https://web.archive.org/web/20041103010214/http://www.nysun.com/article/245. November 3, 2004. April 20, 2019. Yael. Kohen. The New York Sun.
  8. News: Kocieniewski. David. McGreevey Stays Put, and Intrigue Builds . September 5, 2004. April 20, 2019. The New York Times . https://web.archive.org/web/20150528025224/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/05/nyregion/05jersey.html&position= . May 28, 2015. dead .
  9. News: Mansnerus. Laura. McGreevey Hunkers Down, but Exit Pressure Grows. The New York Times. August 17, 2004. https://web.archive.org/web/20190420235310/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/17/nyregion/fallout-resignation-politics-mcgreevey-hunkers-down-but-exit-pressure-grows.html. April 20, 2019. April 20, 2019. bot: unknown.
  10. News: The McGreevey Matter – The impact on presidential politics. August 16, 2004. March 10, 2008. Sabato, Larry J. . https://web.archive.org/web/20080213062014/http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/article.php?id=LJS2004081601 . February 13, 2008.
  11. News: Ex-Aide Says He Was Victim of McGreevey . The New York Times . August 13, 2004 . April 20, 2019 . Mansnerus, Laura . Kocieniewski, David . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090424120913/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/13/nyregion/13CND-MCGREEVEY.html. April 24, 2009.
  12. News: Democrats Press McGreevey to Quit. August 18, 2004. April 20, 2019. Washington Post. Dewar, Helen. Garcia, Michelle. https://web.archive.org/web/20121109073612/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A9658-2004Aug17.html. November 9, 2012.
  13. Web site: The Governor's Secret. The New York Times. August 13, 2004. https://web.archive.org/web/20090424120009/http://nytimes.com/2004/08/13/opinion/13fri1.html. April 24, 2009. dead. February 18, 2024.
  14. News: Princeton-area lawyers file lawsuit against McGreevey . September 9, 2004 . March 10, 2008 . . Erik . Linstrum . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20060906183431/http://prince-web1.princeton.edu/archives/2004/09/09/news/10644.shtml . September 6, 2006 .
  15. News: Judge won't order special N.J. election. Associated Press . USA Today. September 15, 2004. https://web.archive.org/web/20080414073018/https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2004-09-15-mcgreevey-special-election_x.htm. April 14, 2008.
  16. News: Judge Dismisses Case Seeking a Vote to Replace McGreevey. Laura. Mansnerus. The New York Times. September 16, 2004. https://web.archive.org/web/20150528054512/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/16/nyregion/16jersey.html. May 28, 2015. April 20, 2019.
  17. News: Transition Ends: A Quiet Goodbye for McGreevey. Mansnerus, Laura. Beston, Josh. November 16, 2004. https://web.archive.org/web/20150528051650/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/16/nyregion/16governor.html. May 28, 2015. April 20, 2019. The New York Times.
  18. News: A Sentimental Last Address as a Temporary Governor. Jones, Richard Lezin. Benson, Josh. January 11, 2006. https://web.archive.org/web/20150611010532/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/11/nyregion/11codey.html. June 11, 2015. April 20, 2019. The New York Times. live.
  19. Web site: New Jersey State Constitution . March 10, 2008 . njleg.state.nj.us . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090630013226/http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/lawsconstitution/constitution.asp . June 30, 2009 .
  20. Web site: Benson, Josh. New Jersey, Used to Having Governors Leave Early, Considers Need for a Lieutenant. The New York Times. en-US. live. October 25, 2005. November 13, 2023. November 13, 2023. https://archive.today/20231113181646/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/25/nyregion/metrocampaigns/new-jersey-used-to-having-governors-leave-early.html.
  21. Web site: Shure, John. The People Should Choose Who Fills the Shoes. New Jersey Policy Perspective. en-US. live. September 10, 2004. November 12, 2013. November 12, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131112094459/http://www.njpp.org/reports/the-people-should-choose-who-fills-the-shoes.
  22. Web site: Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 2 (SCR2). New Jersey State Legislature. A Concurrent Resolution proposing to amend Articles II, IV, V, and XI of the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. en-US. live. November 13, 2023. September 21, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055139/http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2004/Bills/ACR/100_I1.PDF.
  23. Kornacki, Steve. "Exit everyman: How the Jersey Democratic bosses destroyed Dick Codey and unleashed Chris Christie" in "Politico" (January 28, 2013). Retrieved April 19, 2022
  24. https://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=82447 "James D. Kelly Jr."
  25. News: Christie's brother emerges as a major GOP fund-raiser. Shears . Ian T. . September 8, 2004. The Jersey Journal.
  26. News: Corzine to announce bid for governor . November 26, 2004. The Jersey Journal.
  27. Web site: The 2005 Off-Off-Year Elections: Hardfast Harbinger or Harmless Happenstance? Sabato's Crystal Ball .
  28. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2005/New%20Jersey%20Governor.htm Rasmussen
  29. http://www.nj.com/newsflash/politics/index.ssf?/base/news-15/1118604954173110.xml&storylist=njelection Rutgers
  30. https://web.archive.org/web/20050702074355/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x11376.xml?ReleaseID=742 Quinnipiac
  31. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2005/New%20Jersey%20Governor_July%2015.htm Rasmussen
  32. https://web.archive.org/web/20051215055834/http://www.strategicvision.biz/political/newjersey_poll_0719.htm Strategic Vision
  33. http://www.nynewsday.com/news/local/wire/newjersey/ny-bc-nj--governorsrace-po0721jul21,0,2958460.story?coll=ny-region-apnewjersey Fairleigh Dickinson-PublicMind
  34. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2005/New%20Jersey%20Governor_August%208.htm Rasmussen
  35. https://web.archive.org/web/20110604230901/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x11385.xml?ReleaseID=825 Quinnipiac
  36. https://web.archive.org/web/20051202012254/http://www.strategicvision.biz/political/newjersey_poll_0818.htm Strategic Vision
  37. http://www.nj.com/elections/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1126501979325250.xml&coll=1 Star-Ledger/Eagleton-Rutgers
  38. https://web.archive.org/web/20051215045930/http://www.strategicvision.biz/political/newjersey_poll_0916.htm Strategic Vision
  39. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2005/New%20Jersey%20Governor_September%2018.htm Rasmussen
  40. http://publicmind.fdu.edu/govrace2005/ Fairleigh-Dickinson
  41. https://web.archive.org/web/20051030161848/http://www.monmouth.edu/polling/admin/polls/MUP01_1.pdf Monmouth University
  42. https://web.archive.org/web/20051210165912/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x11376.xml?ReleaseID=834 Quinnipiac
  43. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2005/New%20Jersey%20Governor_October%206.htm Rasmussen
  44. http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newjersey/ny-bc-nj--governorsrace-po1009oct09,0,6956171.story?coll=ny-region-apnewjersey Star-Ledger/Eagleton-Rutgers
  45. http://www.maristpoll.marist.edu/NJ/GV051010.htm Marist
  46. http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=e950303d-9e94-4199-9670-a1a7b0ef7d7c Survey USA
  47. https://web.archive.org/web/20051226110826/http://www.strategicvision.biz/political/newjersey_poll_1013.htm Strategic Vision
  48. https://web.archive.org/web/20110604230932/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x11385.xml?ReleaseID=841 Quinnipiac
  49. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2005/New%20Jersey%20Governor_October%2019.htm Rasmussen
  50. http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=54c85a30-01bc-450b-9b42-6f2aef9b9e1a Survey USA
  51. https://web.archive.org/web/20060213031551/http://www.strategicvision.biz/political/newjersey_poll_1102.htm Strategic Vision
  52. http://publicmind.fdu.edu/corked/tab.html Fairleigh-Dickinson
  53. https://web.archive.org/web/20110604230953/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x11385.xml?ReleaseID=844 Quinnipiac
  54. http://www.maristpoll.marist.edu/NJ/GV051104.htm Marist College
  55. http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051106/NEWS01/511060377/1006 Monmouth University
  56. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2005/New%20Jersey%20Governor_November%207.htm Rasmussen
  57. https://web.archive.org/web/20110604231112/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x11385.xml?ReleaseID=845 Quinnipiac
  58. http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=cec036dd-3aa9-402c-bd9a-2fd6707ebf5b Survey USA

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