Codey endorses Tammy Murphy for U.S. Senate

Former Gov. Richard Codey today endorsed First Lady Tammy Murphy for the U.S. Senate, giving her fledgling campaign the same early supporter that her husband had when he was in third place in a three-candidate Democratic primary.

“She is qualified, deserving, and driven — qualities I have seen up close and in person for close to 10 years now, “ Codey said.  “Time and again, she has proven to be a leader with integrity, vision and passion.  She has the experience, skills, and values to represent New Jersey with honor and excellence.”

He also sharply criticized the Democratic incumbent who holds the seat Murphy is expected to seek.

“He has betrayed the trust of the people he was elected to serve, and he is incapable of being remotely effective in the U.S. Senate,” said Codey.  He would be wise to remove himself from office, not run for re-election in 2024 and focus on the serious criminal charges of corruption, bribery, fraud and acting as a foreign agent for Egypt that he is facing.”

He added, “Tammy Murphy has earned the right to make history as our first female U.S. Senator.  What better person to remove this shameful mark against our state?”

Codey is retiring at the end of the current legislative session, ending a continuous stint in public office that began with his election to the State Assembly in 1973.  He’s spent 42 years in the State Senate, served as Senate President, and was the governor of New Jersey from 2004 to 2006.

In what might be his last endorsement as an elected official, Codey praised Murphy’s record as First Lady and as a philanthropist and businesswoman.

“You’d be wise to remember her efforts right here in New Jersey on maternal and infant health, domestic violence, and women’s empowerment,” Codey said.  “These are issues dear to my wife, Mary Jo, and me, and we know real when we see it.”