NATION : N.J. Gov. Assails Auto Insurance

TRENTON, N.J. — Democrat James J. Florio was sworn in as New Jersey’s 49th governor today and called for a special session of the Legislature to bring down some of the highest auto insurance rates in the nation.

The eight-term congressman from southern New Jersey took the oath of office just after noon after resigning his House seat.

Backing up a campaign pledge to attack auto insurance rates averaging about $1,000 per car, Florio in his inaugural address called for a special session of the Legislature on Monday but gave no hint as to how he would bring down premiums. “We will bring back fairness to a system that has abused the drivers of New Jersey for too long,” Florio declared.