Christopher J. Christie (R)

Why He Matters

Christie's election to the New Jersey governorship on November 4, 2009, was a case, at least in part, of right place, right time. Christie ran against Gov. Jon Corzine (D) at a time when the GOP is energized and hungry for victory after a string of losses in 2008. The race was closely-watched as a bellwether for Democratic fortunes in the midterm elections in 2010, where the party could lose control of one or both of the chambers of Congress.Heininger, Claire, "Christie holds on tight to win roller-coaster campaign," Newark Star Ledger, Nov. 4, 2009

Christie was also running against a governor with the lowest approval ratings ever measured in some New Jersey polls.Paul Steinhauser, “Poll shows trouble for Corzine,” CNN, April 22, 2009 Presiding over a $2.8 billion budget deficit and a sagging economy, Corzine alienated several constituencies with a tax increase and a six-day government shutdown and mandatory furloughs and layoffs of unionized state employees.Dunstan A. McNichol, “In a Reversal, Corzine Faces Labor’s Wrath,” New York Times, April 3, 2009

A lawyer and former lobbyist (as well as a top fundraiser for President George W. Bush), Christie was appointed as a United States attorney in 2001. He was initially criticized as inexperienced, but has since won several high-profile political corruption cases.

He jumped into the governor's race on Jan. 8, 2009, and won the Republican primary with 55 percent of the vote. The general election quickly took a nasty turn, with the candidates attacking each other on ethical lapses and public flaps. Corzine even allegedly took a dig at Christie's weight, a charge the current governor denies.

In summer 2009, Christie had a big lead, but Corzine caught up. By election night, the two were neck-in-neck. Christie ultimately defeated Corzine 49 to 44 percent."2009 Election Results," New York Times, Nov. 3, 2009 "We are in a crisis; the times are extraordinarily difficult, but I stand here tonight full of hope for the future," Christie told constituents on election night. "Tomorrow begins the task of fixing a broken state."Halbfinger, David M. and Urbina, Ian, "G.O.P. Wins Two Key Governors’ Races; Bloomberg Prevails in a Close Contest," New York Times, Nov. 4, 2009 

Path to Power

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The Issues

The Network

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