The gubernatorial transition that is occurring in New York is somewhat familiar territory in the Garden State. Senate President Dick Codey has twice stepped in to the role of New Jersey governor.

Codey filled in for current Gov. Jon Corzine briefly after his car crash last year. However, it was after the Gov. McGreevey sex scandal in 2004 when Codey became full-time governor for more than a year. Codey?s biggest piece of advice to New York Lt. Gov. David Paterson: Be yourself.

?I?d say to him ? governor don?t take yourself overly serious, but take the job very seriously,? Codey says.

Codey had three months to prepare himself for the role of governor. Paterson starts Monday after Gov. Spitzer?s resignation. Spitzer resigned Wednesday amid reports that have linked him to a prostitution ring. Despite the lack of prep time, Codey says Paterson must put his boss? sex scandal behind him and get Albany back on track.

?[Try] to not change who you are, what you are about, what you do and how you live your life,? Codey recommends.

Read:News12.com - Spitzerresigns amid prostitution scandalProfileof Lt. Gov. David PatersonNews12.com - NewJersey's Governor: A Code Of Conduct?Complete text of Spitzer's resignation speechLt. Gov. Paterson?s comments on Spitzer?s resignation

Watch:Video of Spitzer's announcement