newjerseynewsroom.com

Codey filling in through Tuesday when Governor returns from St. Barts

BY TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

UPDATED

Gov. Jon Corzine is burning off the cool reception New Jersey voters gave him at the polls by laying on the beach and catching some rays at St. Barthelmy (St. Barts) Island in the Caribbean through Tuesday, his office confirmed Monday.

"Helping him lick his wounds,‘' as the New York Post described it, "is bikini-clad gal pal Sharon Elghanyan, 64, who was seen smooching and walking hand in hand with the lame-duck Democrat.''

The couple arrived Friday by private plane with friends and have been staying at a luxury villa they rented overlooking Flarrands Beach.

Usually, a public announcement is made when a governor leaves the state but there was none this time.

Before leaving New Jersey, Corzine sent an email to known supporters thanking them for their backing during his re-election effort.

"We may not have prevailed in the vote count,'' the governor wrote, "but we stood up for our common commitment to making this state the kind of place where all of our kids and grandkids can grow and prosper.

"For that, I am truly grateful to each and every one of you.

"Whatever our political differences, I believe that Chris Christie is going to work hard for the people of this state, and I wish the governor-elect success, patience, and good fortune as he leads our state forward.

"I got into public life because I truly believe that government can be a force for good, and I am proud that we focused on the issues that matter most to working families like jobs, education, health care and economic security.

"Thank you for the privilege of serving you as your governor, it has been the high honor of my life.''

Senate President Richard Codey (D-Essex), the state government's go-to acting governor, is filling the role until Corzine returns.

Rob Corrales, a Corzine spokesman, described the trip as "a well deserved vacation.''

If you are wondering if Saint-Barthélemy is anything like Point Pleasant Beach, the breathtaking island with its pristine beaches and gourmet dining is known as the playground of the rich and famous. Vacation rentals are mainly found in 400 privately-owned luxury villas.

As a territory of France, French, is the native language and French cuisine is the chief food offered in chic bistros. The island is east of the Dominican Republic.

Corzine, 62, a multi-millionaire, leaves office after one term on Jan. 19. He has said he will not seek public office again but indicated he could serve as a promoter of Democratic Party ideals.

By the way, the weather forecast for Monday and Tuesday on St. Barthelmy is a high of 84, low of 73 with a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms.