If Andrews leaves, a special election?
By Wally EdgeIf Rob Andrews resigns his seat in Congress before September 17 to take a job at Goldman Sachs, the Wall Street investment bank, Gov. Jon Corzine would have the option of calling a special election on November 4. The winner of that race would complete the final two months of Andrews’ term.
South Jersey Democratic leaders would have two options: they could simply nominate their still undisclosed candidate for the full two-year term and give their new Member of Congress a jump on seniority over the Freshman Class of 2008; or reward another party loyalist with a two-month career in the U.S. House of Representatives.
A few years ago, that’s what Camden County Democrats did with a seat on the Board of Freeholders. They appointed John Kerfoot, who was nearly ninety at the time, to spend several months as a Freeholder as a tribute for more than fifty years of public service.
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Andrews, the special election
I don't know anyone, among the current crop of Lt. Gov. candidates, who is more qualified to serve as governor at moment's notice than Andrews, that is, besides perhaps Codey. Perhaps Corzine will consider the wisdom of such a choice as Andrews in his decision-making for LG.
In the interest of transparency (ahem), it would be prudent to have a special election for someone who was filling out Andrews' remaining term, should he leave early. But this was an issue with Menendez moving to senate, and Corzine, rather than spend millions in state money, just waited for Sires to be elected. This may be a more pragmatic course of action, and it certainly beats inserting someone for a ceremonial two months, someone not elected by the voters.
Sweeney Becomes S.J. Candidate
If Andrews is now " out" for a little while then Steve Sweeney becomes the logical candidate to oppose Codey if Corzine leaves and a Democratic Primary for Governor is needed. Sweeney will draw a lot of labor suppport, minus of course a group like CWA which proably is a " net " advantage anyway. He has created some North Jersey alliances. His voter support in the lower 6 counties give him a good base. Plus he is a tireless campaigner. He would make Codey work and spend money. Or if he aligns with DiVincenzo, then Codey might very well lose. Either way, Codey can't do it easily without dealing with Sweeney and South Jersey.