Kenneth Zimmerman

Most Likely to Lose Their Jobs in 2008

In case you missed it, the two people listed late last month as most likely to lose their jobs in 2008 are already gone: John Samerjan was replaced as Executive Director of the Senate Republican Office, and Governor Jon Corzine announced today that Chief Counsel Kenneth Zimmerman is leaving the administration. While Corzine’s press release said that Zimmerman is leaving to join a private law firm, there should be no mistake that he was pushed out.

New Jerseyans of all political parties are expressing their heartfelt wishes for Governor Jon Corzine's speedy recovery today -- and wondering what it means for state government over the long and short term.

Corzine remains in critical condition this morning, facing additional surgeries for injuries sustained in a serious autombole accident yesterday. Senate President Richard Codey says he is on a ventilator, and doctors say that it could be weeks before Corzine resumes his duties. He faces a long period of rehabilitation as he recovers from a femur bone broken in two places, a boken collarbone, twelve ribs, sternum, and head lacerations.

Article 5 of the New Jersey State Constitution -- at least for the next 32 months -- provides for the Senate President to become Acting Governor when the elected Governor in unable "to discharge the duties of the office." As Codey waits to learn more details of Corzine's path to full recovery, state political insiders are speculating as to who will run the state during the period of Corzine's incapacitation.