71-629: James Edward McGreevey (born August 6, 1957) is an American politician who served as the 52nd governor of New Jersey from 2002 until his resignation in 2004. McGreevey served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1990 to 1992, as the 19th mayor of Woodbridge Township from 1991 to 2002, and in the New Jersey Senate from 1994 to 1998. He was the Democratic nominee for Governor of New Jersey in 1997 , but
142-493: A Bachelor of Arts in social studies from Trenton State College in 1962 and started graduate studies in public law and government at Columbia University on a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship before earning a Juris Doctor from Rutgers School of Law–Camden in 1967. After graduating from law school, Florio volunteered to work for the Democratic Party and was mentored by past Camden Mayor Angelo Errichetti . Florio
213-601: A Democrat who assumed office on January 16, 2018. The governor is directly elected by the voters to become the political and ceremonial head of the state. The governor performs the executive functions of the state, and is not directly subordinate to the federal authorities. The governor assumes additional roles, such as being the commander-in-chief of the New Jersey National Guard forces (when they are not federalized). Unlike many other states that have elections for some cabinet -level positions, under
284-647: A Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1981 and a master's degree in education from Harvard University in 1982. He also attended a summer diploma program in law at the London School of Economics . Prior to entering politics, McGreevey was an assistant prosecutor and executive director of the state Parole Board. McGreevey has taught ethics, law and leadership at Kean University in Union , New Jersey. McGreevey
355-555: A dispute over his land. On the afternoon of August 12, 2004, faced with threats from Cipel's lawyer, Allen Lowy, that Cipel would file a sexual harassment lawsuit against him in Mercer County Court, McGreevey held a press conference. At the press conference, he said: "At a point in every person's life, one has to look deeply into the mirror of one's soul and decide one's unique truth in the world, not as we may want to see it or hope to see it, but as it is. And so my truth
426-433: A farmer, Mark Halper, a Middlesex County landowner cooperating with investigators. In the 47-page indictment, there are repeated references to the involvement of "State Official 1," later revealed to be McGreevey. In a conversation with Halper, McGreevey used the word "Machiavelli," the code allegedly arranged by D'Amiano intended to assure the farmer that his $ 40,000 campaign contribution would get him preferential treatment in
497-472: A former prosecutor, was sworn in as New Jersey's first lieutenant governor on January 19, 2010, under Governor Chris Christie . Guadagno was succeeded by former assemblywoman Sheila Oliver , who was sworn in on January 16, 2018, under Governor Phil Murphy . On August 1, 2023, the lieutenant governor position became vacant on August 1, 2023, when Oliver died in office. On September 8, 2023, Governor Murphy selected Tahesha Way , New Jersey's Secretary of State, as
568-848: A hospital in Voorhees, New Jersey , at age 85. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia . His wife, former New Jersey First Lady Lucinda Florio , died on November 16, 2022, just 52 days later. In 1993, Florio was awarded the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award , for his support for gun control . In 2014, he was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame . The Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders named
639-581: A local parish in New Jersey. At St. Bartholomew's, McGreevey was received into the Episcopal Church on Sunday, April 29, 2007. He was accepted to General Theological Seminary , from which he received the degree of Master of Divinity , a prerequisite to becoming an Episcopal priest . In 2009, McGreevey told The New York Times that he volunteered for Exodus Ministries , where he performed service to former prisoners seeking rehabilitation at
710-425: A market-related value. The Act also increased the assumed rate of return for investments from 7 percent to 8.75 percent. The Pension Reevaluation Act reduced New Jersey's pension contributions by $ 1.5 billion in 1992. Florio also signed a 20% reduction of auto insurance premiums. In May 1990, Florio enacted the stiffest laws in the U.S. on owning or selling semi-automatic firearms ; in 1993, he vetoed
781-558: A projected 1991 deficit of $ 3 billion, Florio asked for a $ 2.8 billion tax increase, most in the way of a sales tax increase and an increase in the state excise taxes on various goods. Florio signed the tax package into law in June 1990. It was the largest state tax increase in the history of the United States. The money generated balanced the budget, increased property tax relief programs, and increased education spending in
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#1732772104194852-590: A public career and the kind of 'acceptable' life that went with it. So, instead, I settled for the detached anonymity of bookstores and rest stops – a compromise, but one that was wholly unfulfilling and morally unsatisfactory." McGreevey also included descriptions of his alleged affair with Golan Cipel . In response, Cipel continued to deny that an affair between the two men occurred. McGreevey and his partner Mark O'Donnell regularly attended Saint Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in New York, in addition to
923-625: A repeal bill passed by the Republican-led legislature. The National Rifle Association lobbied hard to override the governor's veto, and the Assembly voted to override it. However, the Senate voted unanimously to uphold Florio's veto. According to Time , New Jerseyans had swamped lawmakers' offices with calls supporting the ban after Florio stumped the state, appealing to voters to voice their feelings" about semi-automatic firearms. In 1991,
994-598: Is an elected position with a four-year term. There is a two consecutive term term limit, with no limitation on non-consecutive terms. The official residence of the governor is Drumthwacket , a mansion located in Princeton, New Jersey . The governor's office is located inside of the New Jersey State House in Trenton , making New Jersey notable as the executive's office is located in the same building as
1065-601: Is based at The Hub in the city's Jackson Hill neighborhood. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop stated that McGreevey was "a valuable asset" to have in this position. Among those at the September 2014 opening of the facility called Martin's Place (located on the major street of Martin Luther King Drive) were Brendan Byrne , Tom Kean , Steve Fulop , Chris Christie , Robert Menendez , Nancy Pelosi and Cornell William Brooks . The prisoner re-entry program, funded by
1136-574: Is done with strong consideration of the preferences of the individual state senators who represent the district where vacancies arise. The governor is also responsible for appointing two constitutionally created officers, the New Jersey attorney general and the secretary of state of New Jersey , with the approval of the Senate. As amended in January 2002, state law allows for a maximum salary of $ 175,000. Phil Murphy has stated that he will accept
1207-499: Is entitled to a one-person security detail from the New Jersey State Police for up to six months after leaving office. "I, [name of governor], elected governor of the state of New Jersey, do solemnly promise and swear that I will diligently, faithfully and to the best of my knowledge, execute the said office in conformity with the powers delegated to me; and that I will to the utmost of my skill and ability, promote
1278-409: Is that I am a gay American." He also said that he had "engaged in an adult consensual affair with another man" (whom his aides immediately named as Cipel), and that he would resign effective November 15, 2004. New Jersey political circles had speculated about McGreevey's sexual orientation and questions about his relationship with Cipel had been alluded to in the media. McGreevey's announcement made him
1349-794: The Abbott districts . Florio also eliminated 1,500 government jobs and cut perks for state officials. Florio redistributed hundreds of millions of dollars of school aid away from suburban districts to urban districts (see the Abbott case ) and rural districts. Under Florio's plan, known as the Quality Education Act, 151 suburban districts would lose almost all of their education funding and have to assume pension costs, Social Security payments, and retiree health costs; another 71 districts would have large reductions in aid and have to assume smaller portions of retiree benefits; and about 350 districts would see increases in aid. The aid cuts fell
1420-830: The 2004 presidential election , but captured 46 percent of the statewide vote, compared to 40 percent in the 2000 race , and did win re-election. Almost immediately after McGreevey's announcement, New Jersey Republicans and Democrats alike called upon the governor not to wait until November to resign and instead to do so immediately. An editorial in The New York Times read, "Mr. McGreevey's strategy to delay resignation does not serve New Jersey residents well. The state will be led by an embattled governor mired in personal and legal problems for three months." On September 15, U.S. District Judge Garrett E. Brown Jr. dismissed Afran v. McGreevey , filed by Green Party lawyers Bruce Afran and Carl J. Mayer , dismissing their claim that
1491-722: The 5th Legislative District in the General Assembly, which covered portions of Camden County and Gloucester County . In 1975, Florio resigned after being elected to the U.S House of Representatives . In November 1974, Florio was elected to the United States House of Representatives from New Jersey's 1st congressional district , defeating incumbent John E. Hunt . He served in the House from January 3, 1975, until January 16, 1990, when he resigned to serve as governor of New Jersey. In Congress , Florio authored
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#17327721041941562-477: The Byrne , Kean , Florio , Whitman , and Corzine administrations, video interviews with many members of the respective administrations, information on other American governors, and news updates on all fifty current governors. James Florio James Joseph Florio (August 29, 1937 – September 25, 2022) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 49th governor of New Jersey from 1990 to 1994. He
1633-643: The COVID-19 pandemic in New Jersey , McGreevey sought to place early-release prisoners, many of whom were homeless, in makeshift shelters. McGreevey serves as Executive Director and Chairman of the Board of the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC). In October 2015, McGreevey moved from Plainfield to Jersey City , sparking rumors that he might run for mayor. In 2023, with mayor Steven Fulop retiring to run for governor , McGreevey's name
1704-477: The New Jersey Constitution the governor and lieutenant governor are the only officials elected on a statewide basis. Much like the president of the United States , the governor appoints the entire cabinet, subject to confirmation by the New Jersey Senate . More importantly, under the New Jersey constitution, the governor appoints all superior court judges and county prosecutors, although this
1775-611: The New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve . He was a critic of the George W. Bush administration and the Iraq War . In a letter to the editor of The New York Times , he made a connection between the war and Bush 's energy policy saying, "the nation's right to know has never been more important". Florio supported Hillary Clinton in the 2008 Democratic primaries for president. Florio served on
1846-759: The Superfund legislation to clean up the most polluted sites in the country in 1980. He was the author of the Railroad Deregulation Law which saved the nation's freight railroads, including Conrail . He was also cosponsor of the Exon-Florio Amendment , which created the Treasury Department's Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and effectively removed Congress from the approval process on foreign takeovers of U.S. industrial concerns. This legislation
1917-693: The Church of Living Hope in Harlem, New York . On November 16, 2009, WCBS-TV reported that McGreevey was continuing his training at All Saints Episcopal Church in Hoboken. An April 2011 report indicated that McGreevey's bid for ordination had been rejected. McGreevey then worked at Integrity House at the Hudson County Correctional Facility with women inmates with a history of drug use. McGreevey's life after politics, his pursuit of
1988-460: The Democrats lost their majority in both chambers of the state legislature, for the first time in 20 years (Republicans controlled the state assembly after the 1985 and 1987 elections). The governor's approval ratings were as low as 18% but stabilized to roughly 50% by 1993. He made an effort for conservative support by putting in place tighter restrictions on welfare payments to mothers and enjoyed
2059-666: The Division of Motor Vehicles to the Motor Vehicle Commission , signing the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act into law, implementing a stem cell research plan for New Jersey, heavily lobbying for the state's first domestic partnership law for same-sex couples and signing such a law in early 2004. McGreevey met Golan Cipel in Israel during a trip there in 2000. Cipel relocated to
2130-488: The EPA, and Governor A. Harry Moore, who resigned in 1935 to serve in the U.S. Senate, voters in New Jersey passed an amendment to the state constitution in 2005 that created the post of Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey , effective January 17, 2006. The first election for lieutenant governor was held in 2009. In September 2006, McGreevey published a memoir , written with assistance from David France as ghostwriter . The memoir
2201-631: The Israel Defense Forces, probably the best in the world. McGreevey assisted Cipel in obtaining a townhouse near McGreevey's home. Cipel reportedly stated that he needed to live near the governor because his job involved being on call on a 24-hour basis. According to the Star-Ledger newspaper, McGreevey even accompanied Cipel on a final walk-through of the townhouse, which the real estate agent said she found "odd". In March 2002, Cipel stepped down from his Homeland Security position and
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2272-626: The New Jersey Parole Board with a $ 4.2 million grant, is located in Sacred Heart Church , also in the neighborhood. In January 2019, the board of the JCETP voted to terminate McGreevey's employment. A forensic audit suggested that funds had been inappropriately re-directed to another program, NJ ReEntry. McGreevey claimed that the move was political and asserted that eight independent audits found no wrongdoing. During
2343-457: The New Jersey towns of Runnemede , Woodlynne , and Somerdale from 1969 to 1974. In both 1969 and 1971, Florio was elected to represent the 3rd Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly , covering portions of Camden County , each time with Democratic running mate John J. Horn , whom Florio had served as a legislative aide while he was still in law school. He was elected in 1973, together with Ernest F. Schuck , to represent
2414-453: The RNC accused of having created a Ballot Security Task Force made up of off-duty police officers to engage in voter suppression. The 1981 gubernatorial general election was the closest in New Jersey history, and the outcome of the election was not decided with certainty until several weeks after Election Day. In the 1989 New Jersey gubernatorial election , Florio won both the nomination and
2485-590: The United States to work for McGreevey's 2001 gubernatorial campaign as a liaison to the Jewish community. In 2002, following his election as governor, McGreevey appointed Cipel as Counselor to the Governor at a salary of $ 110,000. Members of the Legislature questioned the appointment, and it was criticized because Cipel was unqualified for the position. In addition, Cipel could not obtain a security clearance from
2556-578: The board of directors of Trump Entertainment Resorts until he and other board members were forced to resign following the company's entry into its third bankruptcy. He also served on the board of Plymouth Financial Company, Inc. He was a founding partner and of counsel to the law firm of Florio, Perrucci, Steinhardt, Cappelli, Tipton & Taylor. Florio taught at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University . Florio
2627-438: The divorce was granted. McGreevey received joint custody and was directed to pay child support. Matos was denied alimony. In her memoirs, Matos wrote that she would never have married McGreevey if she had known he was gay, nor would she have chosen to have a gay man father her child. Governor of New Jersey The governor of New Jersey is the head of government of the U.S. state of New Jersey . The office of governor
2698-578: The effective date of his resignation until after September 3, 2004, avoided a special election in November to replace him as governor. Doing so allowed the Democratic Party to retain control of the governorship for the rest of the four-year term, until January 2006. It avoided the prospect of a special election in tandem with the presidential election, which could have resulted in a Republican victory and helped George W. Bush capture New Jersey's electoral votes. Bush did not win New Jersey's electoral votes in
2769-512: The federal government, as he was Israeli and not a U.S. citizen; therefore, the FBI and the Secret Service would not provide him with intelligence. McGreevey brought up Cipel's name six weeks into his administration in a February 14, 2002, interview with The Record ' s editorial board at its offices, saying: We will not skimp on security. We actually brought on a security adviser from
2840-544: The first governor to lose reelection when he was defeated in the Republican primary in 1973. ) Whitman prevailed by a narrow margin of 26,093 votes out of 2,505,964 votes cast. As of 2022, Florio was the last politician from South Jersey to win statewide office. In 2000, Florio ran for the Democratic nomination for the United States Senate seat that was being vacated by Frank Lautenberg . His opponent
2911-560: The first openly gay state governor in United States history. The Star-Ledger won the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting for its "coverage of the resignation of New Jersey's governor after he announced he was gay and confessed to adultery with a male lover." For his part, Cipel later asserted that he was heterosexual and denied having had an affair with McGreevey; Cipel has contended that McGreevey subjected him to sexual harassment and sexual assault and then fired him when his advances were rejected. McGreevey's decision to delay
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2982-615: The full salary. Jon Corzine accepted a token salary of $ 1 per year as governor. Previous governor Jim McGreevey received an annual salary of $ 157,000, a 10% reduction of the maximum allowed, while Chris Christie , Murphy's immediate predecessor, accepted the full gubernatorial salary. The governor has a full-time protective security detail from the Executive Protection Unit of the New Jersey State Police while in office. A former governor
3053-477: The general election. During his campaign, Florio said: "You can write this statement down: 'Florio feels there is no need for new taxes'". Florio defeated Republican Jim Courter with 61% of the vote, becoming the first American of Italian descent to become Governor of New Jersey. Florio took office during the late 1980s recession and thus faced a budget deficit. Also, Florio wished to increase education aid to New Jersey's low-wealth school districts. Faced with
3124-455: The governorship by a large margin on November 6, 2001, McGreevey inherited a $ 5 billion budget deficit . During his term, McGreevey raised the tax on cigarettes and increased the state income tax for the wealthy. Raised Catholic but maintaining a pro-choice stance on abortion , he stated as governor that he would not receive Communion at public church services. Among McGreevey's accomplishments were auto insurance reform, restructuring
3195-633: The governorship effective November 15, 2004. In 2006, following his departure from public office, McGreevey published a memoir entitled The Confession . He later pursued ordination in the Episcopal Church and obtained a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree from General Theological Seminary in New York City; however, the Episcopal Church declined to ordain him and he later returned to the Catholic Church . In July 2013, McGreevey
3266-586: The incumbent Republican Christine Todd Whitman . Libertarian candidate Murray Sabrin received slightly over 5% of the vote. McGreevey ran for the governorship again in 2001 and won with 56% of the vote, making him the first majority-elected governor since James Florio . His Republican opponent in that race was Bret Schundler . Other candidates in the race included William E. Schluter (Independent), Jerry Coleman (Green), Mark Edgerton (Libertarian), Michael Koontz (Conservative), Costantino Rozzo (Socialist) and Kari Sachs (Socialist Workers). After being elected to
3337-408: The legislature. New Jersey is also notable for being one of the few states in which the governor's official residence is not located in the state capital. The first and longest-serving governor of New Jersey was William Livingston , who served from August 31, 1776, to July 25, 1790. A. Harry Moore remains the longest-serving popularly elected governor. The current and 56th governor is Phil Murphy ,
3408-730: The most heavily in North Jersey . A grassroots taxpayer revolt sprouted in 1990, spearheaded by a citizens' group named "Hands Across New Jersey" founded by John Budzash, a postal worker from Howell Township . Budzash was a frequent guest on radio and television shows throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania speaking out against the new taxes. Florio was a regular topic on active anti-tax broadcasting from talk radio stations New Jersey 101.5 to Curtis Sliwa 's AM radio talk show and Bob Grant 's AM radio talk show, both based in New York City. Sliwa, Grant, and John and Ken from New Jersey 101.5, along with Alan Keyes (who in later years
3479-480: The office of governor was vacant. This dual position was more powerful than that of an elected governor, as the individual would have a major role in both the legislative and executive branches. The amendment was prompted by New Jersey State Senate President Richard Codey serving as Governor of New Jersey in January 2002 and again from November 2004 to January 2006 after the resignations of elected Governors Christine Todd Whitman and Jim McGreevey . Kim Guadagno ,
3550-619: The peace and prosperity and maintain the lawful rights of the said state. So help me God." On November 8, 2005, voters passed an amendment to the New Jersey State Constitution that created the position of Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey , effective with the 2009 elections . Before this amendment was passed, the President of the New Jersey Senate would simultaneously also serve as governor whenever
3621-652: The postponement of McGreevey's resignation had left a vacancy, thereby violating New Jersey residents' voting rights. Brown stated that McGreevey "clearly intends to hold office until November 15, 2004. The requirement of holding a special election does not arise. The rights of registered voters are not being violated." Afran re-filed the same suit in Mercer County Superior Court and Judge Linda R. Feinberg heard arguments on October 4, 2004. Fellow Democrat and New Jersey Senate President Richard Codey took office upon McGreevey's resignation and served
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#17327721041943692-810: The priesthood, and his ministry to prison inmates are covered in a 2013 HBO documentary film , Fall to Grace , directed by Alexandra Pelosi . After some years as an Episcopalian, McGreevey rejoined the Catholic Church . As of 2023, he regularly attended Mass at the Christ the King Catholic Church in Jersey City. In July 2013, McGreevey was appointed executive director of Jersey City 's Employment & Training Program (JCETP). The program, which provides re-entry coaching for those released from prison, along with other services, such as job opportunities and training, and substance abuse rehabilitation
3763-475: The remainder of the term until January 17, 2006. At the time of McGreevey's resignation, the New Jersey State Constitution stipulated that the Senate president retains that position while serving as acting governor. In the wake of McGreevey's resignation, and in consideration of other past New Jersey governors who had left office before the end of their terms, such as Christie Todd Whitman , who had resigned in 2001 when President George W. Bush appointed her to head
3834-461: The rollback was passed. In order to pay for the increased aid in rural and urban districts and maintain suburban school aid, Florio and the legislature passed the "Pension Reevaluation Act". The Pension Reevaluation Act changed the actuarial calculations used to calculate the State's pension contributions; instead of using the book value of pension assets (a conservative approach), the state would use
3905-454: The strong support of President Bill Clinton . Clinton advisers James Carville and Paul Begala worked on his campaign. Due in large part to the tax hikes, Florio lost his bid for re-election to Republican Somerset County freeholder Christine Todd Whitman and became the first Democratic governor since the adoption of the state's current constitution in 1947 to lose a re-election vote. ( Republican William T. Cahill , elected in 1969, became
3976-589: The third lieutenant governor of New Jersey, to succeed Oliver and serve out the remainder of Oliver's term. In 2005, the Center on the American Governor was established at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University to study the governors of New Jersey and, to a lesser degree, the governors of other states. The program features extensive archives of documents and pictures from
4047-547: The two men occurred. Matos and McGreevey separated after he revealed that he is gay, and in late 2005 McGreevey and Australian-American executive Mark O'Donnell began a relationship. The two lived in Plainfield, New Jersey . On March 14, 2007, the Associated Press reported that McGreevey was seeking custody of his younger daughter and filing for child support . Matos demanded $ 600,000 plus alimony . On August 8,
4118-665: Was a factor in the Dubai Ports World controversy in 2006. While in Congress , Florio ran for Governor of New Jersey in 1977, 1981, and 1989. Florio was defeated by incumbent Democrat Brendan Byrne in 1977. In 1981, he won the Democratic nomination, but then lost a controversial general election to Thomas Kean . The involvement of the Republican National Committee in the 1981 general election received significant subsequent attention, with
4189-425: Was a member of the New Jersey General Assembly , representing the 19th Legislative District from 1990 to 1992, when he became Mayor of Woodbridge Township, New Jersey . He was re-elected mayor in 1995 and 1999. He was elected to the New Jersey Senate in 1993, simultaneously serving as mayor during the four-year Senate term. McGreevey first ran for governor in 1997, but was defeated in a close race (47% to 46%) by
4260-571: Was a presidential candidate in the Republican primary), were guest speakers at two rallies held by Hands Across New Jersey protesting both George H. W. Bush and Florio's tax increases. Bumper stickers with "Impeach Florio" were seen around the state. Prior to the 1991 New Jersey elections, Democrats held majorities in both the New Jersey General Assembly and the New Jersey State Senate . But voter anger
4331-621: Was an amateur boxer. He served as an enlisted member of the United States Navy from 1955 to 1958 and continued to serve in the United States Naval Reserve as a commissioned officer until 1975, ultimately achieving the rank of lieutenant commander . After being admitted to the bar, he became the assistant city attorney for the City of Camden , a position he would hold until 1971. He was the borough solicitor for
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#17327721041944402-654: Was appointed head of Jersey City 's Employment & Training Program (JCETP). He served in that capacity until his 2019 termination. McGreevey serves as Executive Director of the New Jersey Reentry Corporation. McGreevey was born in Jersey City , the son of Veronica, a nurse, and Jack McGreevey, a Marine drill instructor who served in World War II and the Korean War . His family was Irish Catholic , and he grew up in nearby Carteret . There he attended St. Joseph Elementary School, and St. Joseph High School in Metuchen . He attended The Catholic University of America before graduating from Columbia University in 1978. He earned
4473-410: Was businessman Jon Corzine , former chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs . In the most expensive Senate primary in history, Corzine won with 246,472 votes, or 58%, while Florio had 179,059 votes, or 42%. Florio served as the chairman of the New Jersey Pinelands Commission from November 2002 to June 2005. As a congressman in the late 1970s, he was instrumental in shaping the legislation that established
4544-594: Was floated among potential candidates to succeed him, with the Union City mayor and State Senator Brian P. Stack endorsing his potential bid. He filed to run for election on October 31, 2023. McGreevey has a daughter from his first marriage (1991–1997) to Canadian Karen Joan Schutz and another daughter from his second marriage to Portuguese -born Dina Matos . When he resigned from office in 2004, McGreevey asserted that he had engaged in an adulterous affair with another man; he later stated that he had had an affair with Golan Cipel . Cipel has denied that an affair between
4615-576: Was married twice. His first marriage to Maryanne Spaeth ended in divorce. In 1984, Florio met his second wife, Lucinda Coleman , a school teacher, while both were living in the same apartment complex in Pine Hill, New Jersey . Jim and Lucinda Florio married on Valentine's Day in 1988, and remained together until his death in September 2022. Jim Florio had three children from his first marriage - Chris, Gregory, and Catherine - while Lucinda Florio also had one son from her first marriage, Mark Rowe. Florio died on September 25, 2022, from heart failure at
4686-562: Was narrowly defeated by Republican incumbent Christine Todd Whitman . He ran for governor again in 2001 and was elected by a large margin. During his gubernatorial tenure, McGreevey—who was then married to Dina Matos —appointed Israeli national Golan Cipel as Counselor to the Governor, advising on homeland security. On August 12, 2004, following threats of a sexual harassment lawsuit from Cipel, McGreevey publicly acknowledged his homosexuality and stated that he had engaged in an extramarital relationship; he also announced that he would resign
4757-408: Was of Italian descent and his mother was of Scottish, Irish, and German descent. Florio's father was a shipyard painter who also used his poker winnings to help support his family. Florio attended Erasmus Hall High School in Flatbush. He dropped out of high school following his junior year, joined the U.S. Navy, became a weatherman, and earned a high school equivalency degree. Florio received
4828-544: Was previously the U.S. representative for New Jersey's 1st congressional district from 1975 to 1990 and served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1970 to 1975. He was a member of the Democratic Party . Florio was born in Brooklyn, New York, on August 29, 1937. Florio was one of three children (all sons) born to Lillian Ellen (née Hazell) Florio (June 18, 1917 – May 2, 2000) and Vincenzo [later Vincent Joseph] Florio (May 12, 1914 – April 7, 1994), who wed in 1936. Florio and his brothers were raised in Brooklyn. His father
4899-408: Was reassigned to an advisor position regarding government operations. In August 2002, Cipel resigned from the McGreevey administration. Cipel later threatened to file a sexual harassment lawsuit against McGreevey. This threat led to McGreevey's August 2004 resignation from office. David D'Amiano, a key McGreevey fund-raiser, was ultimately sentenced to two years in prison for extorting $ 40,000 from
4970-410: Was so great that after the 1991 election, Republicans were to win veto-proof majorities in both houses. An example of Republican strength at this time was their promise to roll back the sales tax, which was raised by one percentage point during the first two years of the Florio administration. The rollback was passed in both houses, only to be vetoed by Florio. Republicans then overrode Florio's veto and
5041-478: Was titled The Confession . McGreevey appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show on September 19, 2006, to discuss and promote the book. It was the start of a two-month promotion of his memoir. In The Confession , McGreevey describes the duality of his life before he came out as gay: "As glorious and meaningful as it would have been to have a loving and sound sexual experience with another man, I knew I'd have to undo my happiness step by step as I began chasing my dream of
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