Gov. Corzine’s Best Friend the Rev. William Watley

Yesterday, Gov. Jon Corzine was warmly greeted by the Rev. William Watley and about 400 members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church at a meeting held by the group at the Cherry Hill Hilton Hotel.

The article in the Courier Post said the governor’s speech about the proposed $30.9 billion state budget and the new spending programs aimed at helping the poor were received with cries of “Hallelujah!" and "Amen!"

Rev. Watley served under former Gov. McGreevey as head of the state Commerce, Economic Growth and Tourism Commission. He resigned in 2004 after it was disclosed that his church was affiliated with a Newark housing project that was going to get an $11.5 million state loan.

A state audit of Watley's commission also found mismanagement, including $9 million spent without the comptroller's approval. Watley's chief of staff, Lesly Devereaux, resigned after it was revealed she had hired five relatives and it wasn't clear what they did for the money.

But Corzine greeted him warmly.

"I don't think I have a more close personal friend," Corzine said of Watley. "I consider him a brother."

I think that just about says it all, don’t you?