Katz Speaks

The AP is running a story about Carla Katz, leader of the largest union of New Jersey state workers and former girlfriend of would-be governor, Jon Corzine. There is not much new in this piece. Katz dismisses the controversy about her affair and the gift of a half million dollars that Corzine provided.

Anybody who thinks that Jon Corzine or I would allow our past relationship to get in the way of advocating for our respective constituencies doesn’t know me very well and doesn’t know Jon very well.

Forgive me for remaining skeptical, Ms. Katz. Your former boyfriend has hired someone who is being investigated by the feds and by not disclosing his gift to you, he finds himself being the subject of a Senate ethics probe (the first one since the Robert Torricelli debacle). Those are hardly traits which have instilled trust. And that you just happen to represent 9000 state workers who endorsed your ex-boyfriend without ever meeting him puts me on edge. Furthermore, what little you have said disturbs me.

She described their two-year relationship as long-term and serious, and said the two talked about getting married before calling it quits last July.

If we were in high school and discussing Brenda and Eddie, maybe I would agree that a two-year relationship is long-term, but we are adults. A long-term relationship is a commitment. Commitments are both legal and spiritual; they are not tossed to the side as soon as you meet someone more interesting. Commitments are secured with vows: for better or worse. Characterizing the relationship you had with the would-be governor, which commenced when you were both married to other people, as long-term and serious cheapens the those relationships which are.

This story is a reminder of what is really at stake in this election for the citizens: ethics. This state has been rocked by scandals and we need to plug the dike now. Corzine has made a vow to end corruption, favoritism and fraud. We know how important vows have been to him in the past. There is no reason to trust Corzine this time around.

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