Oh, wow! I’m rather speechless over New Jersey’s Gov. Chris Christie’s brutally honest news conference he gave today. Although I’m still unhappy with Christie’s veto over same-sex marriage bill in New Jersey nearly a year ago, his morals and the work he has done to fight for relief funds and help the people in his state after Hurricane Sandy hit most has definitely earned my respect. Now, THIS is the type of Republican that should run for President, not the likes that we’ve seen this past year.
Here are a few of the highlights:
“There’s only one group to blame for the continued suffering of these innocent victims: The House Majority and their Speaker, John Boehner.”
“We respond to innocent victims of natural disasters not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans. Or at least we did, until last night. Last night, politics was placed above oaths to our citizens. To me, it was disappointing and disgusting to watch.”
“Last night, the House of Representatives failed that most basic test of public service and they did so with callous indifference to the suffering of the people of my state.”
The governor said his four calls to Boehner Tuesday night went unanswered, but he did speak to the House speaker today. Christie would not disclose any details of the conversation, but clearly his anger over the no-vote was not mollified.
Rep. Peter King, R-NY, who was just as mad at Boehner, met with the speaker this afternoon and was confident that the speaker would keep his word and hold a vote later this month and offered for the first time a reason for why the bill was pulled.
According to King, “[Boehner] said there was much confusion and so much fighting going on over the fiscal cliff bill it would be damaging to the Republican caucus” to have voted on the relief bill Tuesday night.
Oh, I would be spitting mad, too! “Damaging to the Republican caucus”?? Are you kidding me? Please, Boehner, go talk to all those people and businesses destroyed from Sandy and see if they are concerned about “damage to the Republican caucus….” I’m pretty sure they’re not (she says thick with sarcasm).
Here is the “meaty” portion of Christie’s news conference today, as well as Peter King’s statement. All the power to you both, and thank you for stepping up and saying what has needed to be said for some time now. Too bad it is at the expense of thousands of people. “Shame on Congress!”
Gov Chris Christie is Disgusted with Washington Politics
Rep. King Says Boehner Promises Sandy Aid Votes
Question: The spending and funding of federal money is not one of my strong points. So, anyone know if Boehner’s stalling would have anything due to the debt ceiling he doesn’t want to raise for Obama? Or are relief funds completely separate?
Sources:
ABC News: Chris Christie Calls ‘Disgusting’ Boehner’s Decision to Yank Sandy Funds
LA Times: Enraged Chris Christie blasts Boehner, House GOP over Sandy aid
CBS News: Christie blasts Boehner on Sandy bill: “Shame on Congress”
Daily KOS: Chris Christie rips Boehner and House Republicans over refusal to provide Hurricane Sandy relief
Motley News 
Go ahead… I can hear your thoughts. Please share with the rest!