Codey won't run for governor again

TRENTON-Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey was considering seeking the Democratic gubernatorial nomination as late as Friday evening before ultimately deciding not to seek the state's highest office, a close adviser said Sunday. Published reports Friday said Codey, in his third month in office after former Gov. James E. McGreevey resigned amid a gay sex scandal, already had decided not to run. But Assemblyman John McKeon, D-West Orange, said Sunday that Codey had not made up his mind until Friday night, when he notified his family and political allies. McKeon echoed published reports that said Codey was uncertain if he could raise enough money to run against Corzine, the former chairman of Goldman Sachs who spent $63 million of his own money on his Senate race. Over the last several weeks, Codey had become more confident in his ability to lead the state and had made gains on Corzine in polls, a development that weighed heavily in the decision-making process, according to McKeon. On Friday, Corzine received the endorsement of Rep. Robert Menendez, Assembly Speaker Albio Sires and other Hudson County Democrats. Previously, he wasendorsed by other key Democrats including Rep. Rob Andrews, who had considered entering the race, and Sen. Frank Lautenberg.