Kelley Heck August 12, 2004 Tel: (609) 292-5215 STATEMENT of SENATE PRESIDENT RICHARD J. CODEY
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FOR RELEASE: Immediate CONTACT: Kelley Heck August 12, 2004 Tel: (609) 292-5215 STATEMENT OF SENATE PRESIDENT RICHARD J. CODEY ON THE PENDING RESIGNATION OF GOVERNOR JAMES E. MCGREEVEY TRENTON - Senate President Richard J. Codey offered the following comments concerning today's announcement by New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevey: "My heart goes out to Jim McGreevey and his family during this difficult personal time. Jim McGreevey is a good person and a good friend and today's events sadden me. "Governor McGreevey has been an outstanding leader of the Democratic Party and the people of New Jersey for the past 2 1/2 years. His compassion and commitment to the residents of this State have been evident in every policy initiative his Administration has launched since the day he took office. "Jim McGreevey has brought the residents of New Jersey through one of the most devastating fiscal crises our State has ever seen. When our State was in a financial black hole, Jim McGreevey showed the people of New Jersey the light. "From his success in restructuring DYFS and preserving the Highlands, to his support for literacy and workforce development, to E-Z Pass and DMV reforms, to stem cell research, Governor McGreevey has always put the people of New Jersey first." STATEMENT OF GOLAN CIPEL "While employed by one of the most powerful politicians in the country, New Jersey Governor McGreevey, I was the victim of repeated sexual advances by him. Such conduct, and Mr. McGreevey's behavior, caused me such emotional distress and turmoil. I often wonder why I did not have the strength to disentangle myself from such an oppressive environment and from such a manipulative person. But I have come to understand that I was a victim. And just as importantly, I was the victim of one of the most powerful politicians who made sure to let me know that my future was in his hands. Therefore, I've come to realize that my lack of strength was understandable. When I finally dared to reject Gov. McGreevey's advances, the retaliatory actions taken by him and members of his administration were nothing short of abuse and intimidation. After a long period of pain and introspection, I realized that in order to live my life, to move forward with my life, I needed to put this behind me. But the only way to do this was to have Gov. McGreevey take responsibility publicly for his horrible actions, which he did by resigning from public office. I am somewhat vindicated to see the person who abused his power take responsibility for the harm he has caused and sincerely hope that this situation will serve to encourage women and men — victims — to not be afraid to take action against individuals in positions of power who oppress or harass those subordinate to them. Finally I would like to thank the hundreds of people who have been so supportive of me over the past 24 hours, from everywhere in the world and especially those from the great state of New Jersey." FOR RELEASE: CONTACT: August 12, 2004 Press office Joe Donnelly (609) 292-7065 SIRES STATEMENT ON McGREEVEY RESIGNATION (TRENTON) -- Assembly Speaker Albio Sires today issued the following statement in reaction to Governor McGreevey's decision to resign his office: "Governor McGreevey's resignation announcement is a stunning development and it took extraordinary candor to take responsibility for his actions and resign his office. "Hopefully, today's announcement will not take away from the significant, positive policy achievements of the past couple years. "It was a privilege to work with the Governor on issues of critical importance to New Jersey residents, such as property tax relief, auto insurance reform, stem cell research, and economic revitalization. "This was a tough decision for the Governor - politically and personally - but it will enable this state government to move forward on addressing the issues that matter the most to New Jersey residents. "I look forward to working with Senate President Codey in ensuring a smooth transition and continued progress on behalf of the people we were elected to serve." For Release: Immediate Contact: Bill Maer Date: August 12, 2004 Tel: 732-233-2584 BERGEN COUNTY DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION ON GOVERNOR JAMES E. McGREEVEY'S RESIGNATION HACKENSACK – Following Governor James E. McGreevey's decision today to resign as Governor of New Jersey, the Bergen County Democratic Legislative Delegation issued the following statement: “Today, Governor James E. McGreevey acted in the best interests of the people of New Jersey , and for that, he should be commended. “The residents of Bergen County and New Jersey should know that, despite today's events, state government will continue to operate without disruptions as we continue to serve our constituents to the best of our ability. “We wish Governor McGreevey and his family all the best as they work through this difficult time.” Contact: Dan Gallic 908-507-0156 August 12, 2004 Monmouth County Republican Chairman Calls for McGreevey’s Immediate Resignation Fred Niemann, Republican Chairman of Monmouth County put out this statement: On a personal level, I’m deeply sorry for the Governor and his family. He and his family are in my prayers and thoughts during this difficult and emotional time. That being said I believe it to be in the best interests of this state that the Governor resign immediately. The people of New Jersey deserve nothing less. Each of us must start today to rebuild our state’s reputation for a moral and ethical government instead of a reputation forced upon us by a corrupt system and unethical officials. The fact that Governor McGreevey has chosen to resign is not the end. The allegations against this administration and it’s allies must be concluded. We need to clean house. The people of New Jersey need to be heard on this issue. Governor McGreevey must resign immediately. From Steven Goldstein, chair, Garden State Equality, If you're a member of New Jersey's lesbian and gay community, you didn't watch the Governor's speech today with political or legal eyes -- you watched it with personal eyes. The governor's coming out today was no doubt poignant for every member of the lesbian and gay community in New Jersey and in fact, across America. We all know how difficult it is to come out as openly gay, whether to family or other loved ones. No one could imagine what it's like to come out to 300 million people -- this is totally unprecedented. But one thing is common to all of us who have come out: It is a deeply personal journey that every openly lesbian or gay American has lived through, sometimes initiating with pain but inevitably culminating in personal liberation and happiness. Our thoughts are with the Governor and his family. The New Jersey LGBTI community's quest for full equality continues, from marriage to every other area of civil rights. Given that the LGBTI community in New Jersey is booming in population and influence, and that we have millions of straight supporters across the state, let there be no doubt that New Jersey will continue to lead the way as America's beacon for human rights and civil rights for all. Senator Lautenberg Reacts to Resignation of Governor James E. McGreevey WASHINGTON - United States Senator Frank R. Lautenberg issued the following statement in response to remarks made by Governor James E. McGreevey during today’s press conference in Trenton, NJ: “My heart goes out to Governor McGreevey and his family. He has served the people of New Jersey well for many years. Jim McGreevey's speech was touching as he shared a personal confession. I will do whatever I can to be of help to the state during this period of transition.” For immediate release Contact: David Wald 973-645-5923 Thursday, August 12, 2004 Steve Adamske 202-224-6037 Sen. Corzine on Gov. McGreevey's announced resignation U.S. Senator Jon S. Corzine released the following statement today on New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevey's announced resignation: “I am surprised by today's announcement by Governor McGreevey that he is resigning his office. My thoughts are with Jim, his family, and the people of our state at this difficult time. I applaud the Governor's decision to acknowledge a part of his identity for which he owes no one an apology. “Today's announcement should not detract from Governor McGreevey's accomplishments on behalf of the people of New Jersey -- from protecting our environment and promoting stem cell research, to fighting sprawl and easing the tax burden for millions of hardworking people. “Any speculation about my own political plans in light of the Governor's decision is entirely premature. I am focused today on electing John Kerry to the White House, and on regaining Democratic Party control of the United States Senate, so that we can begin the hard work of improving the quality of life for the people of our state and our nation.'' For Immediate Release Contact Sal Risalvato 201-239-1200 201-745-1914 cell Bret Schundler statement on the resignation of Governor McGreevey Why did Golan Cipel decide to bring his charges now? Is it because the Democratic Bosses who run New Jersey got to him somehow, and are using him to clear Jim McGreevey out of the way so they can run John Corzine for Governor next year and keep themselves from losing control of the most powerful Governor's office in America? Indeed, if Jim McGreevey's resignation is simply the opening act in a drama that was pre-scripted by the leaders of the Democratic Party, then these leaders have saved their place in history as the worst scoundrels ever to run a state.