General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsCould this Democrat be NJ's Next Governor?
Steve Sweeney legislative web page
Let's play a hypothetical game here.
Assume that Christie resigns, is removed, or whatever...
Then it goes to the Lt. Governor, Kim Guadagno. She, however, might also be tainted by the scandal as she told the mayor of Hoboken that she needed to move the Rockefeller development project along. She said this to her in the parking lot of the Shop Rite.
Now assume for a second that this might be proven. If she, too, is out because of the scandal (remember--hypothetical here), then where does it go?
Here is what Wikipedia says the rule of succession is:
Order of succession[edit]
The order of succession in the event the governor's office is left vacant is specified in Article V, Section I, paragraph 6 of the New Jersey State Constitution, as amended, effective January 17, 2006, which states:
In the event of a vacancy in the office of Governor resulting from the death, resignation or removal of a Governor in office, or the death of a Governor-elect, or from any other cause, the Lieutenant Governor shall become Governor, until a new Governor is elected and qualifies.
In the event of simultaneous vacancies in both the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor resulting from any cause, the President of the Senate shall become Governor until a new Governor or Lieutenant Governor is elected and qualifies. In the event that there is a vacancy in the office of Senate President, or the Senate President declines to become Governor, then the Speaker of the General Assembly shall become Governor until a new Governor or Lieutenant Governor is elected and qualifies. In the event that there is a vacancy in the office of Speaker of the General Assembly, or if the Speaker declines to become Governor, then the functions, powers, duties and emoluments of the office shall devolve for the time being upon such officers and in the order of succession as may be provided by law, until a new Governor or Lieutenant Governor is elected and qualifies.[40]
I'm not counting my chickens before they're hatched. I merely think it's a point of interest, all things considered with today's news developments, to know what could be coming down the turnpike.
Cher
NightWatcher
(39,343 posts)Wild, I know, right?
No more of this "vote for the guy you'd like to have a beer with" bullshit. If you wanna have a beer, hang out at a bar
Bjorn Against
(12,041 posts)I don't know New Jersey law on this, is the Governor able to appoint a Lt. Governor on his own or does he need legislative and or voter approval for it?
NJCher
(35,669 posts)But cannot find an answer to that question.
The Lt. Governor position is relatively new in NJ and there is probably not much in the line of case law.
I do know they are able to do that in other states.
I have an attorney friend I'll ask.
Cher
starroute
(12,977 posts)In the event of a vacancy in the office of Lieutenant Governor resulting from the death, resignation or removal of a Lieutenant Governor in office or the death of a Lieutenant Governor-elect or from any other cause, the Governor shall appoint a Lieutenant Governor within forty-five days of the occurrence of the vacancy to fill the unexpired term.
If a Lieutenant Governor becomes Governor, or in the event of simultaneous vacancies in the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor, a Governor and a Lieutenant Governor shall be elected to fill the unexpired terms of both offices at the next general election, unless the assumption of the office of Governor by the Lieutenant Governor, or the vacancies, as the case may be, occur within sixty days immediately preceding a general election, in which case they shall be elected at the second succeeding general election. No election to fill the unexpired terms shall be held in any year in which a Governor and Lieutenant Governor are to be elected for full terms. A Governor and Lieutenant Governor elected for unexpired terms shall assume their offices immediately upon their election. Article V, Section I, paragraph 9 amended effective January 17, 2006.
(On edit: So I'd watch out for Guadagna pulling an Agnew and resigning while Christie is still governor so that he can immediately appoint someone else to the position.)
Trekologer
(997 posts)Honestly a neutered Christie might be better.
NJCher
(35,669 posts)But I listened to an interview with him on the radio and he has a lot of common sense.
If I can find the interview, I will post it.
Cher
on edit, added: one problem with this guy Sweeney is he has no charisma. He is very "cut and dried."
Laxman
(2,419 posts)to many of the same development interests as Christie. Sweeney is the point man for George Norcross. He is not a bad guy, but he is not a progressive thinker either and he is a deal maker, as in most any situation is an opportunity for a deal.
Wawayanda
(21 posts)If he does become the next Governor, it would be a bit scary. In addition to allying himself with Christie, he's in Norcross' pocket and Norcross is only interested in what benefits Norcross.
calimary
(81,261 posts)Or rather, I'd hope to see them get in. I couldn't vote myself, as a Californian.
But if I could!!!!!...
Sokolich maybe, not sure on Zimmer despite her being brave.
If anyone should run for Governor, it should be either: Buono, Wineberg or Wis.
NJCher
(35,669 posts)She is articulate and easy to look at. Very smart, and impeccable credentials.
Unlike Sweeney.
Sweeney actually feeds into the thug stereotype, as he is a big, bulky Soprano looking guy--like Christie.
These are stereotypes we don't need here in the Garden State. We have plenty of them what with the TV shows portraying what kinds of shallow, materialistic people live here. Not to mention the criminal element.
If they held an election and Barbara Buono won, it would be sweet justice indeed.
Cher
Wawayanda
(21 posts)Sweeney is definitely thuggish, especially with Norcross at his back..
Senator Buono was amazing, I met her several times when she came all the way up here (Sussex County - yes there are Democrats in Sussex County and they don't all live in Sparta) on the campaign trail. She would still make a fantastic Governor. She's passionate about the people, all people. She knows what it likes for families going through rough times. We need her and more people like here.
calimary
(81,261 posts)And from what I've seen of Barbara Buono, I like her too.
Cha
(297,211 posts)NJCher
(35,669 posts)I was surprised that I found what he had to say to be very common sense and practical. I thought he had intelligent things to say and he was candid with his audience.
I guess I'd have to say I don't really know enough about his record.
I don't especially like the image he projects but one has to look beyond that.
Cher