Support floods in for Gov. Corzine

TRENTON - Prayers and well wishes from around the world have poured in for Gov. Corzine as he recovers from an automobile accident that almost killed him.

President Bush, dignitaries from various countries, U.S. senators and representatives, and nearly two dozen governors have contacted Corzine's office or his family to show their support. He's also received get-well wishes from former President Bill Clinton, former Vice President Al Gore, and presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and Rudolph Giuliani.

Ambassadors Biwei Liu of China and Motosuto Sakurai of Japan, two countries Corzine visited during a regional tour focusing on commercial trade between New Jersey and Asian nations in May, also sent messages.

Corzine, 60, was critically injured in a car accident Thursday when the SUV he was riding in crashed into a guardrail on the Garden State Parkway. The SUV was hit by another vehicle that swerved to avoid a pickup truck.

The governor, who was apparently not wearing his seat belt and riding in the front, broke his leg, 11 ribs, his breastbone and his collarbone. He also suffered a head laceration and a minor fracture on a lower vertebra.

Corzine made progress yesterday in the intensive care unit at Cooper University Hospital, where he was airlifted after the crash. The hospital has received dozens of bouquets of flowers for the governor, according to spokeswoman Lori Shaffer. They've been distributed to other patients because they can't be delivered to intensive care, she said.

Senate President Richard J. Codey, who is acting governor until Corzine is well enough to resume his duties, has asked people to pray for the governor.

The Rev. Reginald Jackson, executive director of the Black Ministers Council of New Jersey, said he led a special prayer for Corzine Sunday at St. Matthew A.M.E. in Orange.

"We asked the Lord if he would heal and restore his body and that he would ease his pain and restore him that he can return to giving leadership to this state," Jackson said.

Jackson said his congregation was very supportive but "disappointed that the governor didn't have his seat belt on."

"But their main concern now is that the governor gets well," he said.

The Rev. Perry Simmons of Abyssinian Baptist Church in Newark said a group of ministers and pastors planned a prayer service for the governor outside the hospital this afternoon.

"Our main prayer is for the health of the governor and for the guidance of the acting governor during this time," Simmons said, adding that 50 pastors from across the state are expected to travel by bus from Newark to Camden for the vigil.

To send messages to Gov. Corzine:

SOURCE: Associated Press

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