Hypocrisy, Thy Name Is Christie: 'Stronger than the Storm' commercials go to politically active PR firm, cost $2M more than runner-up firm

Here's just another example of Chris Christie's "Do as I say, not as I do" hypocrisy.

In order to cash in on the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and to promote himself to 2013 voters in New Jersey and 2016 voters around the country, Christie spent $2 million more than necessary to place himself and his family in those "Stronger than the Storm" T.V. commercials that are running throughout the country this summer. Furthermore he gave all that extra money to the politically active East Rutherford-based MWW PR firm according to the Asbury Park Press.

"The “Stronger Than The Storm” TV commercials starring Gov. Chris Christie and his family are providing a near $5 million windfall of taxpayer dollars for a politically active public relations agency, more than $2 million higher than what the runner-up firm planned to charge.

The ads are part of this season’s $25 million state tourism campaign funded by the federal disaster aid package approved by Congress after superstorm Sandy. Under terms of a state contract, subsequent campaigns for 2014 and 2015 will be subject to the availability of additional funding.

East Rutherford-based MWW and a subcontractor are billing the state $4.7 million for employee compensation and markups to run this year’s campaign, according to information obtained through a public records request by the Asbury Park Press. The remainder goes toward TV and radio commercial production, media buys and promotions.

The contract documents shine new light on the role Christie administration officials had in the TV commercials — controversial because they give Christie more exposure during a gubernatorial election year, and also because they introduce him to voters in other states in advance of a possible 2016 presidential campaign. The top official on the selection committee, appointed by Christie, once received a $49,000 loan from Christie when he was the U.S. attorney for New Jersey.

The two bidders had different views on how the campaign should be run. MWW proposed putting Christie in the ads. The other bidder, a team headed by the Sigma Group, did not...." read more

A statement released by the Barbara Buono, Christie's challenger in this year's campaign for governor ,had this to say about Christie's latest hypocrisy:

"Once again, Governor Christie has allowed his ego to get in the way of what's best for New Jerseyans. Based on today's report, the primary rationale for the winning selection was not cost nor experience but shameless self-promotion. This is absolutely outrageous, especially as families are still out of their homes and trying to rebuild their lives. Clearly this was not the intended use of $25 million in federal recovery funding. The Governor should be ashamed of himself for making critical decisions affecting hundred of thousands through the prism of his national ambitions. It is just wrong."

2nd Anniversary of Christie Lying About Jobs Relocating from Illinois Inbox x

Hold Christie Accountable

(NEW JERSEY) – Today marks the 2nd anniversary of Governor Chris Christie flying to Chicago and promising to bring jobs to New Jersey from Illinois, following his taxpayer-funded campaign to poach from the Prairie State. As much as Christie tries to use SuperStorm Sandy as a reset button in the public eye, the truth is Christie has a three-year track record of failed policies and failing to make good on promises. Lying about bring jobs to New Jersey from Illinois is just one stunning example in which Christie have never been held accountable.

On February 4th, 2011, Christie took a trip to Chicago which may or may not have been paid for by taxpayer dollars. This came on the heels of a major taxpayer-funded public relations blitz to lure businesses and jobs from Illinois to New Jersey. Christie’s administration spent over $300,000 in taxpayer dollars on glossy magazine advertisements and radio spots starring Christie himself. Newspaper ads ran up and down the state - from the Chicago Tribune to the State Journal-Register of Springfield - encouraging businesses to pick up stakes and relocate to the Garden State.

Christie deemed the trip an immediate success and claimed to have met with some 18 various business leaders. Kraft refused to meet with him, but according to Christie, one of the companies he allegedly met with told him they were "sold" on moving to New Jersey. Yet, two years later, New Jersey has absolutely nothing to show from this taxpayer-funded trip nor has Christie made good on his promise.

Christie’s failures when it comes to jobs is more important now more than ever to remember. Month in and out, New Jersey continues to consistently trail the rest of America when it comes to unemployment. Throughout Christie’s entire time at the helm, New Jersey’s employment rate has never been above 9%. New Jersey unemployment currently hovers near 10%. On the other hand, while Christie bashed Illinois when attempting the poach jobs, latest numbers show Illinois unemployment holding steady at 8.7%, with unemployment dropping in 9 of 12 metro markets.

Today, on this 2nd anniversary of a broken promise that has never been followed-up on - and as Christie yuks it up with David Letterman - we hope the press and pundits will reach out to the governor on this particular issue and ask: “Where are the jobs Christie promised from Illinois?” It is long past time for Christie to be held accountable.

On May 24th, 2012, OneNJ penned on op-ed in The Philadelphia Inquirer asking where the promised jobs are 16 months after they were promised. Click here to read the op-ed.

Two weeks later, OneNJ again asked where the jobs are, when Christie went back to the scene of the lie in Chicago on June 8th, 2012 to rub shoulders with right-wingers at the Conservative Political Action Conference. Again Christie remained silent – apparently more focused on his failed audition to become Romney’s VP candidate and deepen his tea-party contacts.

Christie suffers from a pattern of neglect when it comes to jobs and working families. He recently vetoed a minimum wage hike, instead saying it should be raised a measly 25 cents. Last year, CNBC rankings had New Jersey’s business climate slipping to 41st on Christie’s watch. Christie also cancelled the bi-partisan supported ARC tunnel linking New Jersey to Manhattan that would have created 6,000 immediate construction jobs and some 45,000 future jobs.

Moreover, this is just another example of Christie’s rhetoric not matching reality, and using taxpayer dollars to boost his own personal brand – much like his taxpayer-funded GOP rallies under the guise of town halls. Isn’t it time Christie was held accountable?

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One New Jersey is shining a light on politicians who act against the best interests of New Jersey’s residents and who seek to divide our state for their own political gain. It is giving voice to the important issues that affect our daily lives. One New Jersey will closely monitor policy positions and actions of elected officials and expose their records on the issues that matter. You can follow One New Jersey on Twitter (@OneNJ) or search for “One New Jersey” on Facebook.

June 14th Fracking Lobby Day in Trenton

Please see below about an important event taking place this coming Thursday in Trenton and please help spread the word. The Bus for Progress is one way to get to Trenton for those who would rather leave their cars home, and seats are currently available. The Bus will be making stops in South Amboy, Red Bank, Wall, and Jackson. Click here for more information: http://www.busforprogress.org/events/june-14-lobby-day-details. Click here to reserve your seat: http://www.busforprogress.org/events

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Dear Supporter,

Fracking waste is coming to New Jersey, threatening our drinking water, environment and public health. In January of 2013, NJ's fracking ban will expire. As if this is not enough, the industry is pushing risky gas pipelines, gas-fired power plants and billions in taxpayer dollars for subsidies for gas transportation projects. These subsidies are coming at a time when Governor Christie is pushing for millions in cuts to clean energy and conservation programs. Can you join us in Trenton on June 14 to stand against the fracking industry's assault on our state?

In the morning, we will be creating a presence in the NJ State House, educating legislators about how they can help stop the fracking industry from turning NJ into a fracking wasteland. At noon, leaders from across NJ will be speaking out at a rally against the dangers of fracking and the direct impact these risky and unnecessary gas infrastructure projects are having on our state. We need your help to pull off a massive show of support against fracking and for clean energy.

Let's plan to take over the capital on June 14 and demonstrate that New Jersey is ready for clean energy solutions and a fossil fuel-free future. Will you join us in Trenton on June 14th?

To register and invite others, visit this link:

http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/p/salsa/event/common/public/?key=74212

We look forward to seeing you in Trenton!



Jim Walsh

New Jersey Director

Food & Water Watch

jwalsh@fwwatch.org