(01/30/06) TRENTON ?Senators approved Governor Jon Corzine?s (D-NJ) choice of Zulima Farber for attorney general by a vote of 24-10 Monday.

Farber now becomes the first Hispanic attorney general in New Jersey?s history. One senator, Gerald Cardinale (R-Bergen), spoke out against Farber?s approval. Cardinale sited Farber?s past traffic violations and her stance against mandatory minimus as reasons for his opposition. Cardinale claims Farber has 13 tickets and four bench warrants on her driving record.

Aside from Cardinale?s comments, Farber?s nomination sparked little debate in the Senate. Lawmakers also approved Corzine?s choice for commissioner of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Susan Bass Levin.

Related story: NJ Senate Judiciary Committee approves Farber attorney general nomination