In Man-Bites-Dog Scenario, Christie Visits NJEA for Endorsement

Just by showing up for interview, governor demonstrates how his relationship with union has evolved.

The fact that Gov. Chris Christie didn’t win the New Jersey Education Association’s endorsement for governor this weekend wasn’t all that unexpected. The surprise was that he participated in the process at all. Four years after Christie sent a public letter rather than showing up for his pitch to the NJEA, the governor walked across West State St. in Trenton -- right on time for his 6:30 appointment. In what was described as a cordial back and forth, Christie spent 45 minutes in front of the 15 union leaders who make up the screening committee, responding to probing questions about everything from pensions to teacher evaluation. Ultimately, the union’s PAC picked the Democratic challenger, state Sen. Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex), by a …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Gov. Christie on Letterman; Two Celebs Join Sandy Relief Board

'We will see you on the boardwalk,' says Brian Williams, news anchor and Hurricane Sandy NJ Relief Fund new board member.

As a guest on the Late Show with David Letterman Monday night, Gov. Chris Christie's witty banter and doughnut-eating may have made headlines, but he was quick to remind everyone that Hurricane Sandy relief is still needed. Christie and Letterman talked about the Hurricane Sandy NJ Relief Fund started by first lady Mary Pat Christie. She announced today that two major celebrities have joined the honorary advisory board. Bono, front man of U2, and NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams will join Bruce Springsteen, former U.S. Sen. Bill Bradley, Jon Bon Jovi and others on the board. Bono called it “an honor” to support the relief efforts. “Sandy took away just about every piece of my Jersey Shore childhood,” said Williams, who is from …

•  41 Comments
• Photos (1)

Christie to Seek Re-Election

Chris Christie announced he would seek a second term as New Jersey governor.

Gov. Chris Christie will seek a second term as New Jersey's governor. He made the announcement during an appearance at a press conference at the Port Monmouth Fire Dept. Monday afternoon. Christie declined to talk in detail about his bid, saying he is saving that for a more formal announcement in January.  But he did say he sought the advice of his wife, Mary Pat, and four children, over the Thanksgiving Day weekend, and got their blessing.  "I have a job to finish that I would have never anticipated to have six weeks ago," said Christie. He said loved the Garden State. "I want to leave it better than I found it when I'm done."  The gubernatorial election will take place in November 2013. In response to a question about whether he would …

•  179 Comments
• Photos (1)
• Videos (1)

Christie: No 'Twinkies' Questions [Video]

In a light moment, Gov. Christie chides a reporter for asking a question about the Hostess bankruptcy. The maker of Twinkies and other baked goods said Friday that it will shut down operations.

.  

• Videos (1)

Power Fully Restored to NJ by Sunday, Christie Says

Governor also praises National Guard at press conference in Somerset.

Gov. Chris Christie praised the National Guard's work in New Jersey during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, and reportedly said he expects all power to be restored to the state by early Sunday. Christie spoke at a press conference on Thursday, flanked by members of the National Guard at an armory in Somerset.  "I wanted to come here and thank these men and women as an example of the over 2,200 National Guardsmen I ordered activated in the prelude to Hurricane Sandy," Christie said. "They have done an extraordinary job." Christie addressed a number of issues still plaguing the state, including power outages.  Christie said as of Thursday morning there were 390,746 customers without power in the state, an increase of about 19,000 from …

•  254 Comments
• Videos (1)

Christie: Nor’easter May Be Temporary Setback for Sandy Recovery

New Jersey governor said 11,000 utility workers remain in state, set to respond to any damage brought by storm.

A nor’easter set to strike New Jersey Wednesday may cool the state’s post-Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts for a time, Gov. Chris Christie warned. “We may take a setback in the next 24 hours. You need to be prepared for that,” Christie said during a press conference at Long Beach Island Wednesday morning. Power outages may increase during the storm, which is set to bring a heavy, wet snow and wind gusts as high as 55 mph to the state. However, the governor was hopeful the pause in recovery efforts would be brief. He noted 11,000 utility workers remain in the state and the clear weekend forecast would allow the recovery push to continue in earnest. “I appreciate that we’re all tired,” Christie said. “I want to get things back to normal as …

•  14 Comments
• Photos (1)
• Videos (1)

Hurricane Sandy

PHOTOS: Aerial Views of Hurricane Sandy Damage

Gov. Chris Christie traveled across the state Tuesday to survey the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, with stops in Belmar and Avalon.

Gov. Chris Christie traveled across the state Tuesday to survey the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, with stops in Belmar and Avalon.  Got your own photos of storm damage? Add them here by clicking the "Upload Photos and Videos" button with this story.

•  19 Comments
• Photos (18)

I have spoken

1:38 am on Friday, November 30, 2012

****TOS VIOLATION***   more ›

Governor Christie: Don't Be Stupid, Get Out

Christie and other officials warn residents listen when they are told to leave, and to believe the hype in the forecast.

Governor Chris Christie and National Weather Service meteorologist Gary Szatkowski may have been speaking from opposite ends of the state, but their message to residents about the power of the impending storm was clear. "Hurricane Sandy is already the deadliest hurricane of the 2012 season," Szatkowski said. "Please respect its power and heed the advice of local and state officials regarding any evacuations." Christie, speaking at a press conference in Pompton Lakes regarding the state of emergency (video attached to this story) and severe weather conditions anticipated from Hurricane Sandy. a boiled things down even further. "Don't be stupid, get out," Christie said. "Get out and go to higher, safer ground. I don't know any other way to …

•  93 Comments
• Videos (1)

NJ Transit Shutdown Preparations Underway

Hurricane Sandy may cause a system-wide stoppage on Monday.

In response to the increasing dire forecast surrounding Hurricane Sandy, the Christie Administration announced that preparations have begun for the potential shutdown of NJ Transit bus, rail, light rail and Access Link service, effective Monday.  “The safety of our customers, employees and the public-at-large is paramount,” said NJ Transit Board Chairman and New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner James Simpson. “By beginning this important process, NJ Transit will be better able to support the state’s response to Hurricane Sandy by freeing up buses or other resources that may be needed for hurricane relief.” The systematic shutdown of NJ Transit service would require a minimum of 12 hours to complete. The process requires the…

•  16 Comments
• Photos (1)

HuffPo: NJ Dems Attack Chris Christie For Iowa Fundraiser

New Jersey Democrats are calling on Gov. Chris Christie to cancel an appearance Thursday at a fundraiser for a lawmaker whom they call an "extremist" and "radical right-wing zealot."