Jim McGreevey resigned amid scandal.

In 2004, he announced to the state, and the country, that he was gay. While for many in New Jersey, that was a non-issue, his choice to make his lover homeland security adviser drew criticism from all quarters.

"The governor was the butt of all manor of humor," Jim Gearhart remembers. Mentioning Jim McGreevey, he says, was a lot like mentioning Pee-wee Herman.

But, says (our) Jim, "Of the six governors I have watched and observed in New Jersey ... he accomplished more, practically, for the people of New Jersey than all the others combined."

Need proof? Walk into a Motor Vehicle Commission office. It's improved "to the extent that you could actually go into one of the offices without being insulted or almost assaulted at times."

The former governor has also gone on to become an Episcopal priest, and works with Exodus Transitional Community to help former prisoners seeking rehabilitation. He's also the head of Jersey City's Employment and Training Program.

But that's only one part of why Jim McGreevey means a lot to Jim Gearhart. The rest is far more personal — you'll need to subscribe to Jim's new podcast to hear it all.

The clip above is just part of the latest episode of the new Jim Gearhart Show podcast — to get the full thing, subscribe with your favorite podcasting app for iPhones, Android devices or your computer:

Love podcasts? Also check out Forever 39, Annette and Megan's new podcast about turning 40 — and loving life along the way. This week, they remind us: You've only got 7 seconds to make a first impression. Guess what they notice first?

— Townsquare Media Staff

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