Former NJ Governor Wants To Change State's Image During DNC
By David Madden
ESSINGTON, PA (CBS) -- Political conventions are, by their very nature, an opportunity for past leaders to step forward with their advice and counsel. Not to mention just being part of the action again. Such is the case this week for a former New Jersey Governor and onetime Camden County congressman.
Jim Florio, at age 78, practices law in North Jersey these days. But there's still more than a spark of the politician just itching to get out there. Just ask him what he plans to do this week.
"My goal is to rehabilitate New Jersey's reputation around the nation," Florio told KYW Newsradio. "After last week, we have to convince people that not everybody in New Jersey is unsophisticated, thuggish and that people are really insensitive."
Of course, Democrats have their own problems to deal with, like the e-mails that have riled the Bernie Sanders camp and forced the party's national chair out. But he stays on message, insisting that Democrats, by and large, just behave better.
"We have a much greater degree of civility demonstrated and the American people want that," Florio said. "They don't want someone who's going to be a potential dictator."
A veiled reference to GOP standard bearer Donald Trump, although the former Governor did not identify by name any New Jersey Republicans whose behavior reflected poorly upon the state.
