Chris Christie
| Chris Christie | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Governor of New Jersey From: January 19, 2010 - Present | |||
| Predecessor | Jon Corzine | ||
| Successor | Incumbent (no successor) | ||
| Information | |||
| Party | Republican | ||
| Spouse(s) | Mary Pat Christie | ||
| Religion | Roman Catholic | ||
Christopher Christie (born September 6, 1962 in Newark, New Jersey) is the 55th and current Governor of New Jersey, having won in the 2009 election by a 49%-45% margin over incumbent Democrat Jon Corzine. A Republican, previously Christie served as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey.
Contents
Biography
Prior to his election as governor, Christie's only elected experience was serving on the Morris County board of Freeholders from 1995-1998. His colleagues praised him as effective, such as requiring as policy that the freeholder board go out for three quotations even on no-bid contracts. They also noted that he was unusually ambitious, when he unsuccessfully ran for State Assembly just two months into his term. [1] During his tenure in office county taxes decreased by 6.6%. [2]
After serving as a top fundraiser for George W. Bush's 2000 presidential campaign, the Bush administration appointed Christie as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey and served from 2002-2008. He was also one of the 17 U.S. Attorneys on Attorney General Alberto Gonzales's advisory commitee. Christie's most high profile prosecutions included State Senator and Newark Mayor Sharpe James for mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiring to rig the sale of nine city lots to his mistress. [3] He also led the felony conviction of State Senator Wayne Brant of mail and wire fraud, and bribery for soliciting a job at the School of Osteopathic Medicine. [4] As attorney, Christie won convictions or guilty pleas from over 130 public officials, without losing a single case.
Christie's service as a prosecutor had an influence in national security, when he led the team that prosecuted Hemant Lakhani, who had the desire to broker the sale of shoulder-fired missiles to shoot down American passenger jets. [5] When leaving office in December 2008 he was praised by every major newspaper in New Jersey. The Philadelphia Inquirer editorialized "Christie has already done more good for New Jersey than some previous governors." The New York Times wrote that Christie "won widespread admiration for his aggressive fight against political corruption." [6]
Even Governor Corzine, Christie's opponent in the gubernatorial election praised Christie in 2005, saying "I have supported Chris Christie as being our U.S. attorney, fought for his ability to be that, endorsed what he's doing...There have been as many Republicans as Democrats who have been brought to justice because of Chris Christie. I think he's doing a great job." [7]
2009 Gubernatorial Campaign
In the Republican primary, Christie defeated former mayor Steve Lonegan.
Although a Democratic state, Christie was elected while advocating the need to downsize state government and reduce property taxes. New Jersey had faced a weakened economy, high budget deficit and a high tax burden, reslting in Corzine's defeat.
In July, Christie endorsed President Obama's nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court, saying "Elections have consequences. One of those consequences are judicial appointments. While Judge Sotomayor would not have been my choice, President Obama has used his opportunity to fill a seat on the Supreme Court by choosing a nominee who has more than proven her capability, competence and ability." [8]
Christopher Christie is pro-life:
- "I believe in the sanctity, dignity and inherent value of all human life. Hearing the heartbeat of my unborn daughter 14 years ago had a profound effect on me. I am pro-life because I believe her life and the life of every child is precious." [9]
Notable Endorsements
- Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani
- Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney
- Former New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean, Sr.
- Economist Steve Forbes
- New Jersey Right to Life Committee [10]
Record as Governor
On Christie's first day as governor he signed eight executive orders and froze several government regulations. He gave a nod to Casinos, signing an order saying that their employees are essential state workers and will not have to close in any future state government shutdown, as they were in 2006. Christie also added unions to the list of groups who cannot receive state contracts of more than $17,500 if they have donated more than $300 to a campaign for governor or county political committee in the previous 18 months.[11]
In February, Christie announced that he would immediately freeze all state spending. Saying New Jersey is on the verge of bankruptcy, Christie declared a fiscal emergency, announcing drastic cuts. [12]
External Links
References
- ↑ http://www.politickernj.com/max/26275/political-career-three-parts-chris-christie-freeholder
- ↑ http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/gop_candidate_chris_christie_l.html
- ↑ http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/04/newark_ex_mayor_sharpe_james_convicted.html
- ↑ http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/topstories/index.ssf/2008/11/exlawmaker_bryant_guilty_of_br.html
- ↑ http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-6229181-details/%27Del+Boy%27+trader+on+arms+charge/article.do;jsessionid=2F40D75F1AFD0FA79E8E876DCB944F88
- ↑ http://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=14677&ShowAllPoll=Y
- ↑ http://www.christiefornj.com/images/negativeattacks.pdf
- ↑ http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/07/gop_gov_candidate_chris_christ_3.html
- ↑ http://www.christiefornj.com/questions-for-chris
- ↑ http://www.lifenews.com/state4512.html
- ↑ http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/new_jersey/article_63a14ff8-8038-591a-8f1a-7503e1bbcbcc.html
- ↑ http://wcbstv.com/local/governor.christie.freezes.2.1487727.html
