Corzine Asks Farber To Resign

by: Juan Melli

Tue Aug 15, 2006 at 12:08:09 PM EDT

Attorney General Zulima Farber violated the state's code of ethics but did not break the law when she went to the aid of her boyfriend during a traffic stop, according to a report issued this morning by the special prosecutor investigating the Memorial Day weekend incident.

"Her conduct does raise significant ethical questions that must be addressed," special prosecutor Richard Williams wrote in the 43-page report. "While there is evidence to establish that the attorney general was aware of, and acquiesced in, some of the favorable treatment received by Mr. Goore, I do not believe that conduct warrants criminal prosecution."

Gov. Jon Corzine, who appointed Farber when he took office in January, had pledged a zero tolerance policy for members of his administration who place "private interests above the public good."

Sources close to the Governor say that Corzine has asked Farber to resign.

Farber's term does not expire until January 2010, and the State Constitution prevents her from being fired.  Her removal can come only through resignation or impeachment.

Read the full report here (pdf)

Update (1:15 PM): According to Wally Edge, Farber seems unwilling to step down:

Zulima Farber is strongly resisting advice from friends that she resign quickly, according to a source close to the Attorney General.