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Former NJ Governor, U.S. Congressman James Florio Passes Away

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OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.


A former New Jersey Democratic governor and U.S. congressman has passed away, according to Monday reports.

James Florio, 85, was widely praised by former associates and colleagues in the wake of his passing including his law partner Doug Steinhardt and current New Jersey Democrat Gov. Phil Murphy.

“Governor Florio was a fighter who never backed down. He was a leader who cared more about the future of New Jersey than his own political fortunes,” Murphy said in a statement.

“A Democrat, he made three unsuccessful runs for the governor before finally succeeding in 1989, when he defeated Republican Jim Courter and became the first Italian-American to serve as the state’s chief executive,” MSN reported.

“Florio drew sharp criticism in 1990 when he pushed a $2.8 billion tax increase through the state Legislature that extended a sales tax to, among other things, toilet paper. It spawned massive voter resentment and spurred the formation of Hands Across New Jersey, an anti-tax grassroots group that used rolls of toilet paper as its symbol,” the report added.

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He was ousted after a single term by GOP challenger Christie Whitman.

“Before becoming governor, Florio served four years in the state Assembly and 15 years in the House of Representatives. In 2000, he unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, losing to investment banker Jon Corzine in one of the most expensive Senate primaries in history. Corzine went on to win the Senate seat that year and held it until he won the governor’s office in 2005,” the MSN report added.

Florio is the second high-profile Democrat to pass away in recent days.

Last week, David Harrington, a former Maryland state senator who recently served as the president of the Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce before stepping down from that post earlier this year, died at the age of 68, the Washington Informer noted.

“David Harrington, a proud Howard University graduate, was more than a leader,” a statement from the chamber said. “He was a public servant and champion for businesses with a career that spanned over 40 years in the Washington metropolitan area. David was loved, respected, and admired throughout the region.

“The chamber shares the sorrow of his family, the community, and the businesses of Prince George’s County, as well as the entire public at his passing. We are heartbroken but will continue, as an organization, to honor his mission of excellence, service, advocacy, policy advisory, mentorship, and leadership,” the statement continued.

“Sorry to hear about the passing of a great business and community leader that inspired and encouraged Black business owners to get in and stay in the game,” LaTasha Ward, a local entrepreneur and former candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates, noted. “Thanks for fighting for business stakeholders in Prince George’s County. You will be missed.”

Greenbelt Council member Brandon Gordon remembered Harrington fondly.

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“He was the mayor of Bladensburg when I attended Bladensburg High School,” said Gordon, according to the Informer. “He challenged us to make a broader change in the community and was glad to see me doing just that. Rest in Heaven!”

Onetime Prince George’s County Board of Education member Belinda Queen described the former Democratic senator’s death as “a great loss to our county.”

“Definitely, gone too soon,” said Queen, who is currently a member of Prince George’s County Central Democratic Committee. “I have so many great memories out in the community working with you for a better Prince George’s. Just know your work is done. Rest in peace. My prayers are with the family.”

President Joe Biden reportedly kicked off his reelection bid in heavily Democratic Maryland last month “with a rally promoting the administration’s recent policy wins as he begins selling his agenda to voters ahead of the high-stakes November election,” The Washington Post reported.

“We must take our case to the American people and be crystal clear about it. There’s no question it’s been a few hard years,” Biden said during a Richard Montgomery High School speech in Rockville.

“We’re in a serious moment in our nation’s history,” Biden said, asking voters to join him in “saving” the country during the November midterms.

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