OAKLAND — W. Cary Edwards, chairman of the State Commission of Investigation and a former state attorney general, died today of cancer at his Oakland home. He was 66. Edwards, a Republican, had a lengthy career in law enforcement and politics that included two campaigns for governor. His death prompted an outpouring of condolences from all corners of New...
Cary Edwards in this 1995 file photo in Trenton.OAKLAND — W. Cary Edwards, chairman of the State Commission of Investigation and a former state attorney general, died today of cancer at his Oakland home. He was 66.
Edwards, a Republican, had a lengthy career in law enforcement and politics that included two campaigns for governor. His death prompted an outpouring of condolences from all corners of New Jersey government.
"Cary Edwards was one of New Jersey's great leaders of the last 35 years,” Gov. Chris Christie said. “He was a fearless lawyer, respected chief counsel to Governor Kean and ground-breaking attorney general. But, just as importantly to me, he was a role model, mentor and dear friend."
Edwards served in the Assembly from 1977 to 1982, then resigned to become chief legal counsel for then-Gov. Tom Kean. In 1986 Edwards became state attorney general, the top law enforcement office in New Jersey.
"Cary Edwards was without question one of New Jersey’s finest public servants," Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-Essex) said in a statement. "He always made sure to put the people first and politics last."
After leaving the Attorney General's Office in 1989, Edwards made two unsuccessful runs for governor, losing both times in the Republican primary.
First, he lost in 1989 to then-U.S. Rep. Jim Courter (R-12th Dist.), who went on to lose to former Gov. Jim Florio. Four years later he lost to former Gov. Christie Todd Whitman, who ousted Florio from the governor's office.
In 1997 Edwards joined the State Commission of Investigation, which examines crime and corruption and reports to the Legislature. He was appointed chairman by former Gov. Richard Codey in 2004.
"I could care less what party he belonged to," Codey said. "He didn't care about labels either."
Edwards was born in 1944 in Paterson and grew up in Fair Lawn. He received undergraduate and law degrees from Seton Hall University.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lynn, and two adult daughters.
Previous coverage:
• Investigator details wasteful spending at NJ colleges
• Editorial: Keep the State Commission of Investigation; NJ needs this independent watchdog
• Gov. Chris Christie swiftly replaces seven-member N.J. judicial advisory group