Romney Plays the VP Vetting Game

One Koch nephew comes to support another as Walker struggles to save at least one government job: his

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/13/opinion/krugman-cannibalize-the-future.html?_r=1

And you can see it in the actions of Chris Christie, the governor of New Jersey, who talks loudly about acting responsibly but may actually be the least responsible governor the state has ever had.

 Mr. Christie’s big move — the one that will define his record — was his unilateral decision back in 2010 to cancel work that was already under way on a new rail tunnel linking New Jersey with New York. At the time, Mr. Christie claimed that he was just being fiscally responsible, while critics said that he had canceled the project just so he could raid it for funds.

Now the independent Government Accountability Office has weighed in with a report on the controversy, and it confirms everything the critics were saying.

Much press coverage of the new report focuses, understandably, on the evidence that Mr. Christie made false statements about the tunnel’s financing and cost. The governor asserted that the projected costs were rising sharply; the report tells us that this simply wasn’t true. The governor claimed that New Jersey was being asked to pay for 70 percent of a project that would shower benefits on residents of New York; in fact, the bulk of the financing would have come either from the federal government or from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which collects revenue from residents of both states.

But while it’s important to document Mr. Christie’s mendacity, it’s even more important to understand the utter folly of his decision. The new report drives home just how necessary, and very much overdue, the tunnel project was and is. Demand for public transit is rising across America, reflecting both population growth and shifting preferences in an era of high gas prices. Yet New Jersey is linked to New York by just two single-track tunnels built a century ago — tunnels that run at 100 percent of capacity during peak hours. How could this situation not call for new investment?

Gov. Christie: 'We're Turning Into A Paternalistic Entitlement Society'. Oh Really, Governor? | Crooks and Liars

Gov. Christie: 'We're Turning Into A Paternalistic Entitlement Society'. Oh Really, Governor? | Crooks and Liars

No free rides. Christie the height of will power

I think Gov. Christie is hoping to become Mittens' VP, but that would require national amnesia and more than just verbal energy on his part.

NEW YORK — Gov. Chris Christie said the country is becoming a "paternalistic entitlement society" this morning in a speech at a conservative conference headed by former President George W. Bush.

Just in case you didn't know, Chris Christie was a Wall St. lobbyist with zippo prosecution experience who rather coincidentally, became the U.S. Attorney in N.J. only after he, his wife and brother bundled together a large cash contribution to George Bush. I'd euphemistically say he shot to the top of the appointee list, but he wasn't even on the list until he coughed up the cash. Why, some people even say he bought the position! One might infer a certain sense of entitlement there — but then, that's why Carl Jung was a genius.

LP - God only knows how much you have to pay not to be an entitlement.

Koch nephew Chris Christie has never heard of Alec. You can bet he hasn't heard of the Koch Brother either

Gov. Christie calls made-to-order bills report 'completely ridiculous' | NJ.com

TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie on Monday lashed out at The Star-Ledger over a story that found the language in some of his biggest bills matches model legislation prepared by a Washington-based group that mostly caters to Republican-led states.

The governor called the report in The Sunday Star-Ledger "completely ridiculous" and "a bunch of research and a conspiracy theory in search of a story."

"I don’t even know these people, and I’ve never had any interaction with them," said Christie, who is visiting Israel and Jordan this week. He noted that he’s been invited to speak at the group’s conferences twice but has declined.

LP - I don't know why I've heard of this group but he hasn't.

Some of Christie's biggest bills match model legislation from D.C. group called ALEC | NJ.com

Some of Christie's biggest bills match model legislation from D.C. group called ALEC | NJ.com

Drawing on bills crafted by the council, on New Jersey legislation and dozens of e-mails by Christie staffers and others, The Star-Ledger found a pattern of similarities between ALEC’s proposals and several measures championed by the Christie administration. At least three bills, one executive order and one agency rule accomplish the same goals set out by ALEC using the same specific policies. In eight passages contained in those documents, New Jersey initiatives and ALEC proposals line up almost word for word. Two other Republican bills not pushed by the governor’s office are nearly identical to ALEC models.

ALEC gained wide attention last week when one of its bills — a "stand your ground" law that allows anyone who feels threatened to defend themselves with deadly force — became part of a national controversy over the shooting death of a 17-year-old Florida boy. New Jersey has no such law.

There is nothing illegal in what ALEC does or in using its bills, but critics say New Jersey officials are handing off a cardinal duty — do your own work — to a national group with unique ties to the business world. If they’re relying on templates, critics add, state officials should publicly acknowledge any work that they do not do themselves and the source of any proposals that aren’t their own, especially when that source has an agenda.

Christie’s spokesman, Michael Drewniak, said there is no connection between the efforts spearheaded by Christie and ALEC.

"Our reforms have no basis in anyone’s model legislation," Drewniak said. "The governor said to me, ‘Who’s ALEC?’"…

That's who Alec is.

A Massachusetts group protests outside a fundraiser of the two "Koch Nephews" in Boston

Scott Brown and Chris Christie Face Backlash Over Anti-Equality Positions, Lack of Jobs Focus

Unemployed workers, equality advocates question how duo’s divisive social agenda will create jobs

   

BOSTON, MA – Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie faced continued constituent backlash over their misplaced priorities Monday, as more than 50 equality advocates, unemployed workers and allies protested outside a $2,500-a-head Brown campaign fundraiser at the Westin Copley Place. Demonstrators braved freezing evening temperatures to call attention to the Republican duo’s misguided focus on divisive social issues while legislative job creation efforts languish at the state and national level.

“Voters elected Scott Brown and Chris Christie because of their promises to create jobs. Yet for years, we’ve seen them focused on divisive social issues,” said Don Gorton of the grassroots equality advocacy group Join the Impact. “Brown and Christie owe their constituents an explanation: how will vetoing equality measures or restricting access to birth control create a single job?”

Brown made headlines last week when the US Senate rejected the junior senator’s bill to limit women’s access to basic health services like birth control, mammograms and cancer screenings. Not to be outdone by his fellow Republican, Governor Christie vetoed New Jersey’s popular Marriage Equality bill soon thereafter. Both spent weeks fielding interviews and making speeches to market their controversial proposals – all while fending off protests as public outcry amassed. Meanwhile, neither Brown nor Christie has taken meaningful steps to fulfill campaign promises to focus on job creation.

“While Scott Brown and Chris Christie spend their time policing bedrooms and doctors’ offices, their constituents are worried about finding work and putting food on the table,” said Darrin Howell, an organizer with MASSUNITING. “It’s beyond time for Brown and Christie to do the job they were elected to do and start focusing on the issues that really matter.”

Koch nephew and ass Christie lambasts ex-seal. He always plays the tough guy when there a cops to remove the person

The Alec-Koch Brother Politicians

The politicians of Alec: Scott Walker, Mitch Daniels, John Kasich, One of the New Hampshire house, Paul Lepage,  Chris Christie (the chubby one in the back), Rick Scott, Scott Brown

This was a secret filming of David Koch addressing his minions

I particularly like the one in the back, he'll never make it with that independence

One Koch Brother candidate from NJ endorses another Koch Brother candidate from MA.

Chris Christie Endorses Scott Brown As He Maintains Lead In Polls Over Elizabeth Warren Crooks and Liars

Today, [Christie] officially endorsed Brown, saying in a statement that the men “share a commitment to taking on today’s most difficult challenges by reforming government, balancing budgets and making tough choices.”

“He is battling to bring the same kind of fiscal discipline to Washington that I am fighting for in New Jersey. Scott cuts through the baloney and calls the issues like he sees them, and I am proud to endorse his campaign,” he continued.

Chris Christie Owns Hecklers in New Hampshire

Christie speaks forcefully when the rotund one has a big microphone and anyone who doesn't agree can get booted. I wonder if he is as forceful when addressing his Koch brother employers. Oh I forgot he represents NJ.

According to NJ governor teachers are the enemies as this is the supposed tough guy wings his way to Colorado whenever the Koch brothers tell him get his lard butt out here.

For full transcripts and the recording of Christie in Colorado go to this website:

http://www.bradblog.com/?page_id=8702

According to Mother Jones New Jersey voters wrongly think their governor works for them... but one his one true constituent calls he's on a plane winging his way in secret

On the morning of June 26, Chris Christie, New Jersey's flamboyant, tough-talking Republican governor, appeared on NBC's Meet The Press. He then jetted out to Colorado, delivered a keynote speech at Charles and David Koch's ultra-exclusive seminar at the Ritz-Carlton resort near Vail, and returned home the same night, all without breathing a word about his adventure to his constituents.

In Part 1 of this report, we gave you the inside scoop on the Kochs' top-secret strategy meeting, where hundreds of wealthy patrons were urged to open their wallets for what Charles Koch described as "the mother of all wars"—the effort to unseat President Obama. We also told you we'd obtained exclusive audio recordings from the event. And we promised to reveal the identity of the main keynote speaker.

With security extraordinary on the seminar's opening night—audio speakers around the periphery of the outdoor dining pavilion blasted out static to thwart eavesdroppers—David Koch introduced Gov. Christie as "my kind of guy." (The two had previously met in private at Koch's New York City office, he revealed.) Before long, seminar attendees were roaring with laughter as Christie regaled them over dessert, telling them how, in his first weeks in office, he'd exercised extraordinary executive powers to impound billions of dollars in planned spending. ("The good news for all of you and for me," he said, "is that the governorship in New Jersey is the most powerful constitutional governorship in America.")...

The gathering, after all, was a fundraising and strategy session for what Charles Koch described as a battle "for the life or death of this country." And Christie dutifully rallied the troops. "You, the people in this room, are the modern day patriots who will save this country or let it go by the wayside. It's up to us," he intoned during his nearly hour-long address.

He wasn't the only GOP governor in attendance that weekend. White House hopeful Rick Perry of Texas spoke earlier that day—revealing his trip only after an Austin daily confronted his spokesman. Rick Scott of Florida and Bob McDonnell of Virginia made the pilgrimage too. But Christie managed to fly to Colorado and back undetected. The governor's public-relations staff provided a copy of Christie's daily schedule for June 26, which included his Meet The Press appearance, but nothing more. After we told his deputy press secretary that we wanted to talk about Christie's Colorado trip that day, nobody from his office would return our calls, despite multiple attempts.

Full Story: http://motherjones.com/politics/2011/09/audio-chris-christie-koch-brothers-seminar

Frank Luntz: Chris Christie Is a 'Blue-Collar Republican' | Video Cafe

Chris Christie is a "blue collar Republican" or to quote me he is a blue collar worker who hates other blue collar works.

Here's Frank Luntz's love letter to him: Frank Luntz: Chris Christie Is a 'Blue-Collar Republican' Video Cafe


Our tribute to this man of the people

From NJ.com - Gov. Chris Christie signs N.J. public worker pension overhaul bill
Published: Tuesday, June 28, 2011

ABC News - Governor Christie Takes State Helicopter To Son's Baseball Game
June 01, 2011 7:52 AM

NJ.com - Chris Christie, while U.S. attorney, often exceeded travel expense budget
Published: Tuesday, November 09, 2010

NT Times Christie Halts Train Tunnel, Citing Its Cost
By PATRICK McGEEHAN
Published: October 7, 2010

N.J.com - N.J. Gov. Chris Christie calls for teachers, school workers to accept wage freeze to prevent layoffs
Published: Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Wall Street Journal - June 1, 2011, 3:24 PM ET
N.J. Police: Christie’s Helicopter Rides Don’t Cost Taxpayers

New jerseynewsroom. com
Poll: N.J. likes Christie but not his tax cut for rich
Monday, 08 March 2010

A note to Frank Luntz: Just because somebody talks like an ignorant rude gasbag does not make them blue collar

From talking points memo: I guess Christie can't use US downgrade on president

Fitch Downgrades New Jersey’s Credit Rating To AA-

Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ)

On the same day a report suggested that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) is exploring a presidential bid, the ratings agency Fitch downgraded the state's credit rating from AA to AA-.
As the Wall Street Journal reports, the state's budget needs more funding to meet growing needs of pension and worker-benefit liabilities:

The ratings company said the pressure is exacerbated by New Jersey's weak economic recovery, high debt burden, limited financial flexibility and persistent structural imbalance.

Fitch revised New Jersey's outlook from negative to stable, after it had lowered its outlook in April, according to the Journal.
Get the day's best political analysis, news and reporting from the TPM team delivered to your inbox every day with DayBreaker. Sign up here, it takes just a few seconds.

I Have to say I predicted this yesterday. The Republicans got three dog candidates and Wall Street needs a candidate to step in, pretend to be a populist, and to help them keep their money

Report: Chris Christie Exploring Presidential Run

Benjy Sarlin | August 17, 2011, 12:49PM

5diggsdigg

Perhaps Rick Perry isn't the only late entrant into the Republican field. According to one report, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is considering a last-second bid as well.
According to reporter Jonathan Alter on Twitter, "sources say NJ Gov. Chris Christie is conducting focus groups in preparation for a possible run for president in 2012."
Christie has long denied any interest in a 2012 run. Of course, so did Perry, but the New Jersey governor's denials have been Shermanesque to the point of absurdity.
"Listen, I threatened to commit suicide. I did, I said, 'What can I do short of suicide to convince people I'm not running?'" Christie said in February. "Apparently, I actually have to commit suicide to convince people I'm not running."

Full Story here: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/08/report-chris-christie-exploring-presidential-run.php?ref=fpb

What Inspiring words will New Jersey’s Chris Christie offer the 9/11 first responders?

New Jersey firemen and policemen protesting thetenth aniversary  9/11 speaker



Rumor has it that Chris Christie is suppose to be on the platform for the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. I can’t wait when he tells the listening public that the people who ran into the twin towers should have been paying more for their health care and shouldn’t have been allowed to collectively bargain. That must have been what those people sacrificed for. One wonders what Chris Christie did to help anyone on that day?

Everyone’s favorite government employee who hates other government employees Pt. 1

During the upcoming days LP will try to examine the unique strengths of the Republican governor, anti-labor, class of the 2010s. We’ll call this segment “everyone’s favorite government employee who hates other government employees.” Each of these “public servants” has their own strong personality traits and, if there’s anyone we miss, please feel free to contact us so that we can add them to our honor role.

This class assumed control of their state’s government by using America’s outrage over “Obamacare” - a term either thought up by a think tank or the propaganda ministry (Fox), an agency which never should have been allowed to guard the hen house. “Obamacare” soon came to be equated with Stealth Socialism though, at worst, it proved to be just one more giveaway to the drug companies and insurance industry so they’d cover more of America’s sickly peasants. After the elections these governors soon began to push through a bunch of unpalatable “reforms” that they hadn’t bothered to tell the electorate about beforehand. They had apparently been bankrolled by some people with deep pockets whose interests weren’t always the same as those who live from paycheck to paycheck working more than forty hours a week. Somehow they have been able to equate a marginal tax increase on Bill Gates’ vast fortune with a tax increase on someone living one tax increase away from ruin. Though - with no new stream of revenue, the continued purchase of military hardware and the endless military adventures around the world - bankruptcy seems almost ascertain. Once the serfs found out that they were the problem they began to revolt and suddenly a four year term wasn’t soon enough to throw the bums out. They needed to be thrown out quicker. These politicians reacted in a way you’d expect: by attempting to change the way people vote and redistricting their voters: so that they could choose the voters rather than the voters choosing them.

The first of these acknowledged heavy weights is none other than New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. He is considered by many an outside contender for the white house and everyone knows how much his party loves well connected to beltway politicians and/or Wall Street “outsiders.” Only weeks after using a state helicopter, to avoid New Jersey  traffic, to attend his son’s baseball game Governor Christie signed a bill that cut deeply into the benefits of teachers, firemen, and policeman (another words everyday citizens of New Jersey). I guess when you’re spending so much money on helicopter fuel other big ticket items have to suffer. This of course is the same governor who renounced federal funds to build a tunnel between his state and New York City but why worry when you can just fly over traffic. Your very own state helicopter is the closest that these government employees will get to feeling like the corporate titans they actually work for.

In the outside world someone who hates his own kind might be labeled a sociopath but within the elite media world it is the surest way to be labeled a bold reformer. Mr. Christie seems to enjoy functions where he can have an exchange of idea with people who disagree with him. Sometimes it takes the shape of a public dressing down before his supporters. He’ll be raised on a platform, holding a microphone, as his supporters shout them down. He hates the teacher union. His style is always to profess how much he loves teachers particularly if they act like non-unionized teachers and agree to everything he wants without back talk. The beauty of this is that his crowds of supporters often cheer his every word as he tells them indirectly how he’ll destroy their kids’ education. Only recently the New Jersey hedge fund industry paid for an ad embracing Governor Christie’s ed reforms at the expense of his much loved teachers. Another words people who nearly destroyed the economy last year showed that they were solidly behind Governor Christie. Word is that many people in this leadership group have helicopters too.