No Codey, Corzine wins

Call him Governor-elect Jon Corzine. Acting Governor Rob Codey (who just attacked a disc jockey) is not running for a full term. Corzine is scheduled to win the primary and the general election.

The decision clears the way for Sen. Jon Corzine to win the Democratic gubernatorial nomination without a divisive primary fight.

"It's a shame," said one source familiar with the situation. "The numbers were good. The message was right. What we can't overcome is the money Corzine has. Even if we raised $8 million we couldn't do it. We'll focus on having a good year and getting things accomplished."[...]

State GOP Chairman Tom Wilson said Codey's decision not to run makes things easier for Republicans.

"If Dick Codey's not running, that makes Jon Corzine the head of the Democratic Party and basically makes him governor," he said.

"He'll have to say whether he agrees with budget decisions or whether to lease the New Jersey Turnpike," Wilson said. "He can't hide behind process anymore. He has to deal with the nitty-gritty of governing, which is what we've been waiting for."

Codey is considering leasing the Turnpike to a private company for a one-time payment to help close a $4 billion hole in the upcoming state budget, which takes effect July 1.

Ray LaHood, you've got company! Keyes is coming back for a return.

Rumble is former Republican U.S. Senate candidate/nightmare Alan Keyes is eyeing a bid for governor.

Any other carpetbaggers running?