A New Jersey Watchdog reporter is suing Gov. Chris Christie for records of nearly $800,000 in expenses charged to American Express credit cards for the travel costs of the governor’s state police security detail.
The public records lawsuit was filed Friday in Mercer County Superior Court.
Christie’s staff denied the reporter’s requests for the monthly statements and related documents, arguing that release of details on past charges would jeopardize the governor’s safety in the future.
A New Jersey Watchdog investigation found the travel expenses of the Executive Protection Unit are 18 times higher than when Christie took office. Much of the increase is attributed to Christie’s frequent out-of-state trips as he pursues his political ambitions and a likely run for the White House.
The bills totaled almost $1 million during Christie’s first four years and nine months as governor. More than 80 percent were charged to Amex cards used by the governor’s office, which later sought reimbursement from the state police.
Last year, Christie traveled outside New Jersey on more than 100 days while visiting 36 states, Mexico and Canada. Wherever the governor travels for whatever reason – whether funded by political groups, supporters or others – he is accompanied by an EPU security detail at state expense.
The full report is online at http://watchdog.org/203074/watchdog-sues-christie-records/.
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