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Dick Codey Says No To Run For Governor Of New Jersey

NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) - St. Sen. Dick Codey has decided not to run for governor of New Jersey.

Codey said Friday that he decided not to seek the Democratic nomination after talking to his family and friends.

"At the end of the day, things that matter most are family. I had a house somewhat divided," Codey told WCBS 880 reporter Levon Putney.

Besides Codey's wife and two sons being divided over whether to run, he also runs an insurance company and he just bought a funeral home.

Codey Won't Run For Governor

"And how do I walk away from that business which has your name on it for either one year or at least five years?" he said.

He and and his wife also just started a foundation to help the mentally ill. Plus, he coaches a sixth grade West Orange basketball squad.

He also says he'll support the Democratic nominee, whoever it is, and that he'll seek re-election to the State Senate.

Democratic leaders had encouraged Codey to run. Codey had served 14 months as governor after Jim McGreevey resigned in 2004.

He also served when Gov. Jon Corzine was injured in a car accident after not wearing a seat belt

St. Sen. Barbara Buono is the only prominent Democrat in the race to oppose Republican Gov. Chris Christie.

He said they're not scared of Christie's post-Sandy popularity.

"Eventually the gleam from Sandy will wear off," Codey said.

Codey hasn't closed the door on a future run.

"You just never know," he said.

But for now the 66-year-old has enough to do, and said he will retire before he's 80.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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