Democrat Jon Corzine was sworn in as New Jersey?s 54th governor Tuesday at the Trenton War Memorial.

Corzine defeated a school teacher and a communications worker in the primary elections in June 2005. After a fierce campaign battle and a war of words, he went on to beat Republican challenger Doug Forrester in November's gubernatorial election. Corzine tied up loose ends in the New Jersey's Statehouse by appointing Robert Menendez to fill his U.S. Senate seat.

Corzine takes over for Acting Governor Dick Codey (D-NJ). He faces the challenges of filling a $6 billion budget gap and reviving the state's nearly depleted Transportation Trust Fund. Corzine also promised in his campaign to reduce property taxes and government corruption.

Corzine's inauguration began with a prayer service in Princeton and a ceremony at the Trenton War Memorial. He will later attend an inaugural ball with supporters at Princeton University's Jadwin Gym.

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