5 Things to Watch in NJ

New Jersey governor points to his earlier denials when asked

(NEWSER) - Chris Christie gave a high-profile speech at the Ronald Reagan library last night and left Republicans who want him to run for president with at least a glimmer of hope, according to Politico and the Star-Ledger . The New Jersey governor, asked if he'd enter the race, pointed to a Politico collection of earlier denials, but then didn't offer a fresh one. After an audience member pleaded with him to run, Christie said he was flattered. "It’s a great, great honor, and I really appreciate it," he said. More»

New Jersey governor fine, expected to be released soon

(NEWSER) - A health scare for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie today: He was taken to the hospital after having trouble breathing, reports the Star-Ledger . A spokeswoman says Christie is doing fine and is expected to be released later today. The governor, who has asthma, had difficulty breathing en route to a public event, and troopers brought him to the hospital "out of an abundance of caution," says the spokeswoman. "He's in great spirits. He's looking forward to getting back to work." More»

Governor's approval ratings fall to 43%

(NEWSER) - Chris Christie's approval ratings have dived and the Republican would be dead even with his favorite Democratic rock star in a hypothetical 2013 contest for New Jersey governor, according to a new poll. Christie—who has clashed with the Boss over spending cuts —and Springsteen both scored 42% in the poll, reports the Los Angeles Times . Newark Mayor Cory Booker would beat Christie by 47% to 43%, the poll found. More»

More than half now oppose him getting a second term

(NEWSER) - Maybe the message here is: Don’t mess with teachers. Chris Christie’s approval rating has dropped, according to a new Bloomberg poll, with more than half of New Jersey residents now saying they wouldn’t support his reelection. Respondents objected to a variety of Christie’s policies, with 65% opposing his cuts in education spending, 58% opposing his removal of a surcharge on the state’s highest earners, and 51% opposing the cancellation of a planned tunnel to New York. More»

But he dismisses controversy as 'political theater'

(NEWSER) - After drawing national attention for a helicopter ride to his son’s baseball game, New Jersey’s Chris Christie will reimburse the state for that trip and a second similar one, the Star-Ledger reports. But he still thinks the whole mess is "political theater" dredged up by the media. The bills:

• Christie will reimburse the state $1,232.30 for Tuesday's trip and another $919.20 for a previously undisclosed trip on Friday.
• The state GOP will reimburse the state $1,232.29 for the trip from Tuesday's game to a political function.