N.J. voters to decide on gov's successor

TRENTON, N.J., Oct. 25 (UPI) -- New Jersey voters decide next month whether to replace the state's unique gubernatorial succession with an elected lieutenant governor.

In four other states, governors who die or resign before their terms end are replaced by legislators. Only in New Jersey do Senate presidents continue to function in the legislature while serving as acting governor.

In the past, the system was used to have someone as acting governor for a few days while the governor was out of the state on personal or official business. But in the past four years, Senate presidents have held the dual role twice for almost a year -- when Christie Whitman left to head the Environmental Protection Agency and when Jim McGreevey announced he was a "gay American" and resigned.

Stateline.org reports the constitutional amendment on the ballot has attracted little attention, given the nasty gubernatorial race between Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Corzine and Republican businessman Doug Forrester. Polls last year showed more than 70 percent of voters favor having a lieutenant governor.

One controversial aspect is the referendum would allow lieutenant governors to serve only until a special election in the November after they succeed.