The men appeared friendly as they sat next to one another at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart for the Blue Mass, an annual service to honor police. Corzine later said he hoped for a "smooth" transition.

"It's very clear that I want the governor-elect to be successful, because the people of New Jersey need a successful governor," Corzine said in a brief news conference after meeting privately with Christie. "All we talked about is how we can make that transition as smooth as possible."

After the 90-minute Mass ended, Corzine and Christie moved to the attached bishop's residence for a meeting, with aides, that lasted about a half-hour. Participants from both men's office described the sit-down as cordial.

Corzine, making his first public appearance since Election Day, spoke to reporters for 60 seconds, answering four questions, all of which he parried without providing insight into his plans, his ideas for the remaining time in his term, or any reflections on his defeat.

Three questions centered on his future, including rumors that he might become head of Bank of America. Asked to confirm that he had spoken to the bank, Corzine said, "I can confirm that I haven't."

After his loss, Corzine vacationed in the Caribbean. Yesterday, he said that he had been reading books and that as to his next professional move, "I haven't given it a great deal of thought."

The last question Corzine took was about the poor turnout of the Democratic base on Election Day.

"I don't know; it must be my beard," he said as he walked toward a waiting SUV.

Corzine aides said there was still no agenda for the "lame duck" legislative session between now and Jan. 12, when new lawmakers are sworn in.

Christie did not meet with reporters. His press staff said he had to attend a parent-teacher conference for one of his children.

Christie spokeswoman Maria Comella said the men appeared to have a good rapport, and praised the governor and his staff for being "unbelievably professional and courteous."

Christie will inherit a budget that is already out of balance, plus an estimated $8 billion shortfall in the spending plan that begins July 1.

Separately, Senate President Richard J. Codey (D., Essex) and Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. (D., Camden) each set Nov. 23 as the day legislative committee hearings would resume. The Legislature has been out of session since late June.

This story contains material from the Associated Press.