Donald DiFrancesco
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| Donald Thomas DiFrancesco | |
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51st 1 Governor of New Jersey
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| In office January 31, 2001 – January 8, 2002 |
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| Preceded by | Christine Todd Whitman |
| Succeeded by | Jim McGreevey |
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| Born | November 20, 1944 Scotch Plains, New Jersey |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Diane DiFrancesco |
| 1. As of January 9, 2006, New Jersey law states that an Acting Governor serving for 180 or more days (during a Gubernatorial vacancy) is officially Governor. The new law was applied retroactively to both Richard Codey and Donald DiFrancesco.[1] | |
Donald Thomas DiFrancesco (born November 20, 1944, Scotch Plains, New Jersey) was the 51st Governor of New Jersey from 2001 to 2002 by virtue of his status as President of the New Jersey Senate, the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature. DiFrancesco's title was officially Acting Governor until it was changed retroactively by legislation passed on January 10, 2006. DiFrancesco, a state senator representing the Scotch Plains area, became governor when Christine Todd Whitman resigned from office to join the administration of newly elected President George W. Bush. Prior to serving in the State Senate, DiFrancesco represented Union County in the New Jersey General Assembly, having been elected in 1976.
At the time of Whitman's resignation, the New Jersey Constitution stipulated that the Senate president retains that position while also serving as acting governor. This made DiFrancesco, in his own words, the most powerful New Jersey governor ever (and perhaps the most powerful governor ever) because he was the leader of both the State Senate and executive branch simultaneously. This distinction was shared by later acting governors John O. Bennett and Richard Codey.
An August 7, 2001, Quinnipiac University poll showed Donald DiFrancesco's approval ratings at 54%, but what was remarkable about that poll is that it showed he had a 48% approval rating among Democrats. DiFrancesco served during a politically polarizing era, and he managed to garner broad public support despite the fact that many New Jerseyans were unhappy with his predecessor's decision to join the Bush administration[citation needed], and even less happy with the EPA policies Christie Whitman changed during her tenure there[citation needed].
DiFrancesco graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor's Degree from Penn State University in business, and was awarded a law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1969.[2]
DiFrancesco presently serves on the Commerce Bancorp board of directors and is a partner in a law firm. He resides with his wife and children in Warren, New Jersey.
[edit] References
- ^ New Jersey Legislature. P.L.2005, c.282.: Provides title of person who serves as Acting Governor for continuous period of at least 180 days will be "Governor of the State of New Jersey" for official and historical purposes. Approved January 9, 2006, retroactive to January 1, 2001. Accessed January 6, 2008
- ^ New Jersey Governor Donald T. DiFrancesco, National Governors Association. Accessed August 7, 2007.
[edit] External links
| Preceded by John A. Lynch, Jr. |
President of the New Jersey Senate 1992-2001 |
Succeeded by John O. Bennett |
| Preceded by Christine Todd Whitman |
Governor of New Jersey January 31, 2001–January 8, 2002 |
Succeeded by Jim McGreevey |
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