|
|
* Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission)
* Remembering September 11, 2001, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey -- Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, led to the Bush Administration launching military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan. As in past conflicts since World War I, Fort Dix served as a primary support base for training, along with the use of planes at McGuire Air Force Base to transport troops to and from their overseas deployments. The assaults also relied to a significant extent on activation of units of the National Guard, including those based in New Jersey. In 2007, six men were indicted and later convicted in federal court in Camden on charges that they intended to attack the Fort Dix military base and kill as many servicemen as they could. -- Election of Jim McGreevey The 9/11 attacks and their aftermath overshadowed the campaign for the New Jersey gubernatorial election in November 2001, which was won comfortably by Mayor McGreevey with 56% of the vote. After his inauguration, McGreevey signed legislation to increase taxes on cigarettes; raise income tax rates for higher-income taxpayers; create a state commission to regulate land-use in the Highlands in the northwest region of the state; and authorize domestic partnerships for same-sex couples. His administration was subject, however, to reports of ethical issues tied to close staff and major fundraisers. -- "I am a gay American" On August 12, 2004, in a nationally televised press conference with his wife at his side, the Governor announced that "I am a gay American"; disclosed that he had conducted an affair with Golan Cipel, an Israeli whom he had appointed as the state's homeland security coordinator; and that he would resign effective the following November 15. The delay allowed the Democratic Party to avoid the holding of a special election to fill the vacancy created by his resignation, and Senator Richard Codey, the Democratic Senate president, took office as acting governor following the November 15 effective date of McGreevey's resignation, serving through the remainder of McGreevey's term into January 2006. |