Governor

No doubt more than one governor in this recession has fantasized about walking away from the difficult job. But the resignation of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was a stunning example of poor leadership. Not only did Palin, last year's Republican nominee for vice president, announce that she would not run for reelection next year. She also decided to quit with nearly 18 months remaining in her current term. Why? It was hard to tell from Palin's rambling news conference on the day before Independence Day. She cited a "higher calling" to unite the country along conservative principles.

Lynn Swann, Republican candidate for governor, says he is "proud" of his record of having voted in only 16 of the past 36 elections in Pennsylvania. We take you now to a polling place in Western Pennsylvania in the not-too-distant future.... Election clerk: Welcome to our precinct. Name, please? Swann: Hi! I'm Lynn Swann! Clerk: You're the happiest-looking person I've seen this morning. Swann: That's because I'm so excited! There's nothing more inspiring than a polling place in action!

Tianie Wilson, 15, was nervous. Reporters were scribbling and cameras were zooming. The Camden teenager managed to steady herself enough to tell Gov. Whitman what was on her mind. "I feel (this) school is one of the best things to ever happen to Camden," said the freshman at Camden Medical Arts High School, standing in the media center of her school, joining fellow students in a question-and- answer session with the governor. "We not only hear about what doctors are doing.

After commanding a world audience three months ago by declaring he was gay and an adulterer and would resign, Gov. McGreevey left office yesterday with barely a peep. McGreevey, 47, kept the words that officially ended his turbulent tenure as governor to a minimum: "I resign effective 11:59 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15, 2004. " The letter to Secretary of State Regena L. Thomas concluded a "transition" period weeks longer than what is normally accorded someone newly elected to the office.

As soon as he heard the words "so help me God," Charles Vizzini unfurled his banner in the back of the auditorium: "Robert P. Casey Jr. for Governor 2002. " It has begun. Pennsylvania's three "row officers" were sworn in to their second terms yesterday, but the promise of an election that is almost two years away hovered over the inaugural ceremonies. All three are considered likely candidates for governor. Casey, the Democratic auditor general, already has formed a campaign committee for the race.

The food and the after-dinner speakers were mediocre, but there may have been one thing worth the $650 admission to Camden County Democratic boss George Norcross 3d's fund-raising dinner Friday night: Gov. Florio donning sunglasses and lip-syncing with a toy saxophone, a la Bill Clinton. "You look happening in those shades," comedian Joe Piscopo told the governor after coaxing him onstage in the grand ballroom of the Trump Taj Mahal before 1,000 pols, party workers, lobbyists and county vendors.

TRENTON - Sometime before the Saturday Night Live appearance, before Shaq stopped by to say hello, before the second nod on Time's "most influential people in the world" list, the governor of New Jersey morphed into something else. He became a bona fide 21st-century celebrity. To America, Chris Christie isn't the governor of the 11th-biggest state, who ushered in a controversial benefits reform plan for public employees. To America, he's the dude from Jersey who almost got into a fight on a boardwalk, as captured by the gossip-mongerers from TMZ.com.

Drumthwacket was quiet and dark as the governor crept to the kitchen in his bathrobe and slippers. He opened the refrigerator door, flooding the room with harsh light. Inside was the prize - a thick slice of chocolate cake, with chocolate icing, on a plate. The governor reached for the cake. "Governor, I wouldn't eat that cake if I were you," warned a voice from the kitchen's dark recesses. "Who's there?" the governor demanded. "It's me," the stranger replied, stepping forward.

Despite having missed 20 of his last 36 chances to vote in an election, Lynn Swann said yesterday he was "very proud" of his voting record - and would take no more questions about it. "I'm not worried about my voting record; I think the issues that face the state of Pennsylvania go well beyond anyone's voting record," the Republican candidate for governor said after an appearance at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell. The Inquirer reported yesterday that since 1988 Swann failed to vote in 13 of 18 party primary elections and in seven of 18 general elections - this despite once criticizing people who do not exercise their right to vote.

Gov. Florio became Candidate Florio last night. Without waiting for his likely Republican opponent, Christine Todd Whitman, to claim victory, Florio entered a ballroom at the Hyatt Hotel here at 10:21 p.m. to the cheers of several thousand supporters. It was like the old boxer entering the ring. "We've taken some lumps, you and I, these past three years, but ladies and gentlemen, now it's our turn at bat," Florio told the crowd. "I am eager for the chance. I am ready for the fight.