Gov. Corzine will try to sound an optimistic note today in his third state-of-the-state speech.

Here's a look at how his previous two have gone, plus his inaugural speech in 2006.

2008:
This was perhaps Corzine's most anticipated speech. He finally laid out his long-awaited plan to raise tolls in order to halve state debt and fund decades of transportation projects.

The reaction: Republicans and some Democrats slammed the idea for its steep costs - up to 800 percent toll hikes over 15 years. The public outcry, stirred up by talk radio and the Corzine's political opponents, was fierce, culminating in a rally in which flying pig balloons were released over the Statehouse. The best Corzine did was to get a pledge from some Democrats to keep an open mind, though they offered little support once they saw the public backlash.

The result: The plan was shelved within months.

Memorable quote: "Pigs will fly over the Statehouse before there is a realistic level of new taxes or spending cuts that can fix this mess."

2007:

Corzine urged action on the property tax reform plans that had been kicking around in the Legislature.

The reaction: Democrats and Republicans both praised the call to curb property taxes. The GOP questioned whether it was just words while Democrats said they expected to reach an agreement on the plans.

The result: The proposals, most notably an expanded property tax rebate and cap on tax hikes, were approved. Taxes rose less than in previous years, but still by more than the 4 percent cap. The rebates were in place for one year and were then scaled back, as Republicans predicted, because they were too expensive.

Memorable quote: "The time to act on property tax relief and reform is now."

2006:

Corzine was inaugurated after the state-of-the-state this year, but he used his inaugural to call for a new era of governing in New Jersey: one of honesty and responsible fiscal planning.

The reaction: Most of Trenton welcomed the new governor, although some were cautious of the man who had not spent any time in the Statehouse trenches. The loudest objections came from Democratic Sens. Sharpe James and Wayne Bryant, who thought Corzine was being unfair to sitting lawmakers when he said New Jersey needed to raise its ethical standards and budget better. Both were later convicted on corruption charges.

The result: Corzine, like any governor, has had his share of successes and failures. The most important judgment will come on election day this year.

Memorable quote: "Hold me accountable."

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