After the speech, it's time to party

Philadelphia Inquirer, The, January, 2006 by Jennifer Moroz

Gov. Corzine got the serious stuff out of the way early in the day, presiding over an interfaith prayer service in the morning, taking his oath in a solemn ceremony at noon, and delivering a speech right after that, in which he promised to do what is best for New Jersey and asked his statewide audience to hold him accountable.

Last night, it was time to cut loose - and cut some rug.

Thousands of supporters and government types nibbled on antipasto from a buffet, mingled amid candlelit tables, and attempted to dance to a salsa band as they waited for Corzine to make his grand entrance to his inaugural ball.

When he did, about 8:15 p.m., he exploded onto the stage.

Under flashing colored lights and disco balls, the tuxedo-clad and normally subdued former U.S. senator greeted his guests with the energy of a cheerleader.

"Are ...