Now that dozens of elected Democratic officials and operatives have been arrested and charged with corruption in a sweeping investigation begun under Chris Christie's watch as U.S. attorney, Gov. Jon Corzine has suddenly found the gumption to demand that the accused politicians resign from office and the entrenched interests in Trenton adopt sweeping ethics reforms. But Corzine didn't act on ethics when it counted.

Where was Corzine when Chris Christie arrested Corzine's pals, Wayne Bryant and Sharpe James? He was defending their "right" to keep their Senate seats, right up to the time they went to trial and were convicted.

And what about Corzine's 2005 campaign promises to clean up Trenton? He let the Democratic political bosses and his allies in the Legislature water them down or duck them entirely. Why would Corzine be surprised that corruption continued to flourish during his four years as governor?

Chris Christie has an ethics plan that would punish criminal office-holders and cut down on conflicts of interest.

Corzine just can't stand up to his Democratic friends. During seven years as U.S. attorney, Chris Christie convicted 130 corrupt politicians. As governor, Chris Christie will continue to do what Corzine has never been able to do: say "no" to practices that are breeding grounds for corruption and conflicts of interests.

Christian F. Post Freehold Township