Daggett announces a run for N.J. governor

Christopher Daggett, who has worked for former Republican Gov. Thomas H. Kean and headed a study group for Democratic Gov. Corzine, said yesterday he planned to run for governor as an independent.

Daggett, 58, of Basking Ridge, said he was running as an independent because he was disappointed with both major parties' abilities to solve the state's problems. "There is a fairly deep-seated and widespread disillusionment and disappointment with either party," he said. "People are looking for someone who can bring the parties together."

Daggett was Kean's environmental commissioner and is a former regional director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. He now is a principal in the environmental consulting firm of JM Sorge Inc. He recently headed a task force for Corzine on improving the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Daggett said he believed he would be able to raise enough money to qualify for state matching funds to advance his candidacy. - Cynthia Burton