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New Jersey Reviews Life After McGreevey
(CPOD) Aug. 17, 2004 - New Jersey adults are divided over last week's surprise resignation of James McGreevey, according to Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind poll. 48 per cent of respondents say the governor was right to quit, while 42 per cent believe the move was unnecessary.
On Aug. 12, McGreevey announced his resignation after declaring himself "a gay American" and acknowledging a consensual affair with a man. The governor, married and a father of two, will leave his post on Nov. 15.
McGreevey—a Democrat—took office on Jan. 15, 2002. Senate president Richard J. Codey will become New Jersey's acting governor until January 2006. 46 per cent of respondents believe a special gubernatorial election should be held, while 44 per cent welcome the idea of having an acting governor for 14 months.
Polling Data
Do you think that, under the circumstances, the governor should have resigned, or do you think it wasn't necessary to resign?
Should have resigned | 48% |
Not necessary to resign | 42% |
Don't know | 10% |
In your opinion, do you think it's better to have a special election for governor this November, or allow an acting governor to take office for until we can have a regular election a year from now?
Special election | 46% |
Acting governor | 44% |
Don't know | 10% |
Source: Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 500 registered New Jersey voters, conducted from Aug. 13 to Aug. 15, 2004. Margin of error is 4 per cent.
