Raymond Bateman, 88, veteran New Jersey lawmaker

Raymond Bateman, 88, a veteran New Jersey lawmaker who helped create the Garden State's county college system and once ran for governor, died early Saturday after a brief illness. Mr. Bateman's death was announced by his son, Christopher "Kip" Bateman, a Republican who now holds the state Senate seat from Somerset County that his father once occupied.

Family members said Mr. Bateman he had recently suffered from pneumonia after breaking his shoulder.

Mr. Bateman served in the New Jersey Legislature for 20 years, including stints as the GOP's assistant majority leader and majority leader in both the Assembly and Senate. He also served three terms as Senate president and more than 100 days as acting governor.

After serving for four years as executive director of the Republican State Committee, Mr. Bateman won an Assembly seat in 1958. He served in that chamber until he was elected to the Senate in 1967.

Mr. Bateman played a role in the passage of major legislation, most notably co-authoring and serving as sponsor of the 1962 legislation that established New Jersey's county-based community college system. As Senate President, he also chaired a study commission that ultimately established the Delaware and Raritan Canal state park.

Mr. Bateman won the Republican nomination for governor in 1977, but lost the election to incumbent Democrat Brendan Byrne. - AP