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Brendan Byrne, Former New Jersey Governor, Dies

Former Gov. Brendan T. Byrne, who left an enduring legacy in New Jersey that ranged from enacting the state's first income tax and the legalization of casino gambling to the development of the Meadowlands sports complex and preservation of the environmentally fragile Pine Barrens, died today.

Former Gov. Brendan T. Byrne, who left an enduring legacy in New Jersey that ranged from enacting the state's first income tax and the legalization of casino gambling to the development of the Meadowlands sports complex and preservation of the environmentally fragile Pine Barrens, died today.

He was 93 years old.

The announcement of his death was made by Gov. Chris Christie, paying homage to "an extraordinary career of public service."

Christie said he considered the late governor a mentor and a friend.

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.