NEWARK, N.J., Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Gov. James McGreevey should reconsider his plans to resign as New Jersey's governor, a state legislator and McGreevey adviser said.
Given the independence McGreevey has shown since his announcement that he was stepping down, state Sen. Ray Lesniak, D-Union, Monday told the Star-Ledger newspaper McGreevey should rethink the decision. Lesniak said, however, he doesn't think the governor will change his mind.
"He could be free to do what he thinks is absolutely right, unfettered by political or personal concerns," Lesniak told the newspaper.
Last month, McGreevey, with his wife by his side, said he was resigning the governor's post. At the same time he admitted he was gay and had had an affair with a man.
McGreevey is to step down Nov. 15, when he would be replaced by New Jersey Senate President Richard Codey, D-Essex.
Also Monday, legislation was introduced to create a lieutenant governor's position in New Jersey. Currently the Senate president steps in for a governor who resigns or dies, and serves as both governor and Senate president. Should McGreevey resign it would the second time in three years that New Jersey moved a Senate president up. It happened in 2001 when Gov. Christie Whitman left office to become the Environmental Protection Agency administrator.
