All of the news articles I have seen in the past 24 hours talking on the subject of Still governor McGreevey in New jersey are focusing on his statements, rather than the facts. Sure he is gay, sure he had an affair. Many people in many other areas of life face these situation every day. Foremen, laborers, CEOs, Presidents all have indiscretions, and the American people tolerate, or have at least have become anaesthetized to such questionable behavior. I agree that much of this is just human nature, but those elected to represent and govern us ARE held to a higher standard because their position and responsibility demand it.

HOWEVER, the governor of the state of new jersey has pulled off a great feat with the conclusion of yesterday’s press conference. One worthy of the great Houdini or Penn & Teller. He has left the public with the impression of one who has suffered greatly and a feeling that this is a family and professional tragedy. What hasn’t been said is that this is the greatest hoodwink in history of state politics. That the public’s trust was disregarded, and that his professional judgment and character are now, as they have been since his election, non-existent.

Since his election, which was won on promises of eliminating pandering, favoritism, and corruption there have been more issues and matters of impropriety than in any administration in New Jersey history. We cannot compare the administration with the total corruption of an era like that of Tammany Hall. However, the legacy that should be remembered is that of the Highlands preservation bill which will represent a short term windfall for land developers, but which could cost the taxpayers of rural areas 500% more than today within 10 years based on some estimates

In perhaps the most stunning of alleged indiscretions, top McGreevey donor and real estate developer Charles Kushner was charged last month with trying to tamper with a federal grand jury by tempting potential witnesses with hookers.

Other he indiscretions of the past 30 months include:

  • State Commerce Secretary William Watley quit July 14 amid reports he steered money toward businesses he and his relatives owned.
    State officials found Watley and his former chief of staff did not disclose that they were part of a partnership that had successfully applied for a $11.5 million loan. The loan was then rescinded.
  • In an indictment unsealed July 6, Democratic fund-raiser David D’Amiano - a high school pal of McGreevey’s - was charged with trying to extort $40,000 in campaign donations from a dairy farmer in exchange for help with a land deal.
    McGreevey later admitted to using an apparent code word - “Machiavelli” - in a taped conversation about the alleged scheme but said the use of the name was a simple, coincidental literary reference.
  • On June 16, McGreevey’s former campaign manager and chief of staff, Gary Taffet, was accused by the federal Securities and Exchange Commission of insider trading.
    Taffet and former McGreevey counsel Paul Levinsohn are also under investigation for getting contracts to put up billboards on public land while they were running McGreevey’s election campaign.
  • Elizabeth Wong, executive director of the state Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, which manages college loans and scholarships, was asked to step down in June after questions were raised about her expenses.
  • After taking free ringside boxing passes for himself, his wife and two guests, state Attorney General Peter Harvey was fined $1,500 in February and repaid two boxing promoters $2,200.