State Senator Barbara Buono remains the lone Democratic candidate for Governor in 2013 as former Governor and current State Senator Dick Codey officially announced he will not be running.

Dick Codey
Former Governor Dick Codey (Dino Flammia, Townsquare Media)
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State Senate President Steve Sweeney and U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell are said to be mulling a run.

“I will enthusiastically back whomever the nominee is and do all that I can in support,” says Codey. “As a senator and governor, I have been a voice for many voiceless New Jerseyans. I will continue to serve in Trenton and seek re-election.”

Codey explains, “After talking with my family, friends and other advisers and weighing the impact of a campaign on my family life, I have decided not to seek the nomination. I want to thank my friends and supporters throughout the state who encouraged me to run and provided counsel during this process, especially Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator Ray Lesniak.”

The Senator says he is forming a foundation, The Codey Foundation on Mental Health, with his wife Mary Jo to aid people with mental illness and he looks forward to continuing his career in Trenton as an independent voice in the State.

STATEMENT FROM BARBARA BUONO

“Governor Codey’s life has been defined by his strong affinity for public service. As an Assemblyman, as a Senator, and as Governor, he has led the charge in the fight for New Jersey’s middle class taxpayers.

Governor Codey’s legacy has always been that of someone willing to take on those tough fights with grace and humility and I am proud to have served with him in the Senate just as I am proud to call him a friend.

Under Governor Christie, New Jersey’s working and middle class has suffered from the highest unemployment rate in three decades, soaring property taxes, and a troubling lack of educational opportunity. The only way to change direction is to change our leader.

I’m proud of the support that our campaign has generated these past few weeks. As we march towards Election Day, we’ll continue to move around the state and talk to everyday families about our plan for getting New Jersey back to work and giving our kids the education they deserve.”

 

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