On Eve Of Election, Buono Campaign Releases New Web Video: "Barbara Buono"

On the eve of Election Day, the Buono for Governor campaign has released a short documentary, "Barbara Buono," which outlines how Senator Buono’s biography influences her fight for middle- and working-class New Jerseyans.

In addition to footage of Buono, the web video features exclusive interviews with those who know her best, including her husband Martin, her daughter Tessa, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., State Senator Loretta Weinberg and small businessman Francis Schott.

If you haven't familiarized yourself with Senator Buono by now, it's not too late to do so.

Buono Campaign Unveils New Web Video to Encourage New Jerseyans to Get Out the Vote

For Immediate Release
BuonoForGovernor.com


New Brunswick, NJ - The Buono for Governor campaign today released a new web video, "You Know What To Do: Vote!" to rally supporters to cast their ballots for Buono-Silva on Election Day. The web video features testimonials from Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, Senator Cory Booker, Actress Kerry Washington and everyday New Jerseyans outlining why Barbara Buono is the best choice to move New Jersey forward.




What do Kerry Washington, Senator Cory Booker and Governor Martin O'Malley have in common? They all want you to #VoteBuono on Tuesday, November 5th (that's tomorrow!).

Buono Talks Education Platform

On Sunday, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono was a guest on Larry Kane's Voice of Reason, where she highlighted her proposals to improve New Jersey's education system. As Governor, Senator Buono will take essential steps to ensure all students have access to a quality education and close the achievement gap. The Buono Education Plan calls for fully funding public schools in accordance with the law, expanding quality pre-school and early education programs and restoring funding for before- and after-school programs.

Chrissy and Paul's Hurricane Sandy Story Is Far Too Familiar

The Buono for Governor campaign recently released a web video, "Chrissy and Paul," highlighting the Fiorenzo family's struggle to rebuild and receive assistance after Hurricane Sandy. Nearly one year after Sandy struck, the family is still living in a trailer at Baker's Acres campground in Little Egg Harbor, as they wait for essential funds to begin repairing their home. Sandy survivors, like the Fiorenzo family, have waited long enough to move back into the homes and move forward with their lives.

The Fiorenzo's story is one that is all too familiar to many in the bayshore area that are still waiting for assistance nearly a year after the storm.

Buono Campaign Releases Statement on Christie's New Television Ad Then Follows-up With Own Ad

New Brunswick, NJ - Buono for Governor Communications Director David Turner issued the following statement in response to Governor Christie's new television ad, which goes to desperate lengths to distract voters from his failed economic record:

"In less than a week, Governor Christie has decided to forgo talking about his terrible economic record that has raised property taxes by 20 percent and left 400,000 people looking for work.

"With nothing positive to talk about, he has resorted to attacking legislation that one of his biggest supporters sponsored, and a Governor from his own party signed.

"His attempts to distract from being an abject failure on job creation and taxes are what made a columnist from the state's biggest newspaper call him America's most overrated governor."

To further set the record straight on Governor Christie’s new television advertisement, the Buono campaign released a new web video of today, “Seeing,” The web video underscores the obvious: Christie’s false rhetoric is no match for the facts. While the Governor promised record job growth, New Jersey's job creation rate is one of the worst in the nation and poverty in the Garden State is currently at a 52 year high. Despite his pledge to reduce property tax rates, average property tax rates have increased by 20 percent over the past three years. And instead of fully funding local schools, Governor Christie has cut nearly $1 billion, leaving schools devoid of necessary resources.

As Governor Christie sets his sights on national office, there is another New Jersey that has been left behind and cannot afford four more years of his failed economic policies and misplaced priorities.

Buono Campaign: Christie's Economic Policies Have Failed New Jersey

BuonoForGovernor.com

New Brunswick, NJ - Buono for Governor Communications Director David Turner issued the following statement in response to reports that Governor Christie will begin advertising on television:

"Chris Christie's support is shallow and fading. New Jerseyans are tired of policies designed to protect the wealthy at the expense of working and middle class families. No amount of advertising will hide the fact that 400,000 people are unemployed, property taxes are up 20 percent and poverty is at a 52-year high. Senator Buono offers a fresh alternative that will get the Garden State moving in the right direction."

What Governor Christie Will Not Talk About Today

Governor Christie is spending four hours this morning talking sports, avoiding any and all talk of his abysmal economic record. Here is what Governor Christie will not be talking about: 400,000 New Jerseyans are currently out of work. In July alone, New Jersey lost nearly 12,000 jobs. New Jersey has the highest unemployment rate in the region -- at 8.6% -- which is more than a point higher than the national average, 7.4%.  New Jersey has recovered only half of the jobs it lost during the Great Recession. Under Governor Christie, New Jersey ranks 45th in job creation. Property taxes have risen by 20 percent over the past three years. The middle class in New Jersey has shrunk by nearly 3% under Governor Christie.

Governor Christie Vetoes Commonsense Gun Legislation

This is one of those posts I was mentioning yesterday, it came in a few days ago and I haven't had time to post it. I'm doing so now because Senator Buono released a statement afterwards criticizing the hypocrisy of Chris Christie's gun veto. It also goes well with one of my next post  about the anti-gun rally that Congressman Pallone attended earlier today.

 From Josh Levitt
Buono for Governor

What They Are Saying:

The Star-Ledger Headline: “Gov. Christie refuses to sign 3 gun bills, including one he called for” (Matt Friedman, “Gov. Christie refuses to sign 3 gun bills, including one he called for”, The Star-Ledger, 8/16/2013)

The Star-Ledger: “…But the governor completely axed a bill that would ban the Barrett .50 caliber rifle (A3659), which is the most powerful weapon commonly available to civilians. Christie had called for a ban on future sales of the weapon in his own package of violent prevention measures outlined in April.” (Matt Friedman, “Gov. Christie refuses to sign 3 gun bills, including one he called for”, The Star-Ledger, 8/16/2013)

Philadelphia Inquirer: “…Despite proposing a ban on purchases of the Barrett .50-caliber gun and similar weapons in April, Christie vetoed a bill that would have done just that.” (Matt Katz, “Christie vetoes 3 gun-control bills, including 1 he proposed,” Philadelphia Inquirer, 8/16/2013)

Philadelphia Inquirer: “…The Republican governor acted on the bills at what is considered a dead time for media coverage - Friday night - which furthered the view among political observers that he sought to appeal to national Republicans down the road while avoiding much immediate publicity for the vetoes within the state.” (Matt Katz, “Christie vetoes 3 gun-control bills, including 1 he proposed,” Philadelphia Inquirer, 8/16/2013)

Philadelphia Inquirer: “…Moments after Christie's vetoes came down, Monmouth University pollster Patrick Murray tweeted: "Which governor 'announced' today that he's running for the GOP nomination in 2016? [Gov. Christie], of course!" (Matt Katz, “Christie vetoes 3 gun-control bills, including 1 he proposed,” Philadelphia Inquirer, 8/16/2013)

Huffington Post: “New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) vetoed legislation on Friday that would have banned .50-caliber rifles from the state, despite backing the same proposal just months ago.” (Paige Lavender, “Chris Christie Vetoes Proposed .50 Caliber Rifle Ban He Once Supported,” Huffington Post, 8/17/2013)

Huffington Post: “…In April 2013, Christie recommended banning the sale of Barrett .50-caliber semi-automatic sniper rifles as part of a group of proposals to curb gun violence. On Friday, Christie said the ban wouldn't make the Garden State any more safe, according to Reuters.” (Paige Lavender, “Chris Christie Vetoes Proposed .50 Caliber Rifle Ban He Once Supported,” Huffington Post, 8/17/2013)

MSNBC Maddow Blog: “…a .50 caliber shell is basically the size of a "carrot," which serves "an effective military weapon against even some armored vehicles. A few years back, 60 Minutes showed .50 caliber rifles making short work of steel plate armor at several hundred yards." It also has the capacity to shoot down an airplane. Under current law in New Jersey, any adult can legally purchase this weapon. The state legislature decided that's no longer a good idea, and today, Chris Christie vetoed the ban.” (Steve Benen, “Christie vetoes measures on gun violence,” MSNBC Maddow Blog, 8/16/2013)

Mediaite: “If there was any doubt that Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ) was planning a presidential run for 2016, he may have erased it late Friday with an end-of-news-cycle veto of a ban on .50 caliber firearms, whose manufacturer used to brag was “capable of destroying multi-million dollar aircraft with a single hit delivered to a vital area.” (Tommy Christopher, “Chris Christie Pulls Left Cheek Sneak Veto Of .50 Caliber Firearms Ban,”Mediaite, 8/16/2013)

Mediaite: “…As governor of a state with some of the strongest gun control laws in the country, the .50 cal ban gave Christie a rare chance to let the NRA know he’s got their back.” (Tommy Christopher, “Chris Christie Pulls Left Cheek Sneak Veto Of .50 Caliber Firearms Ban,” Mediaite, 8/16/2013)

Bryan Miller, Heeding God’s Call: “…Chris Christie clearly is courageous for his place in the Republican Party, but not for the residents of New Jersey.” (Matt Friedman, “Gov. Christie refuses to sign 3 gun bills, including one he called for”, The Star-Ledger, 8/16/2013)

Bryan Miller, Heeding God’s Call: "He’s more interested in running for president and making the extreme right wing feel good than he is in protecting the safety of the residents of New Jersey.” (Matt Friedman, “Gov. Christie refuses to sign 3 gun bills, including one he called for”, The Star-Ledger, 8/16/2013)

Senator Buono on "All In with Chris Hayes" MSNBC: Christie's Singular Motivation is to be the Republican Nominee for POTUS

From Buono for Governor;

Last night, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono was a guest on MSNBC's All In with Chris Hayes to expose Governor Christie as a self-interested politician who consistently puts his national ambitions above the needs of New Jerseyans. Senator Buono highlighted that Governor Christie is no moderate -- from his veto of women's health care, to his opposition to pay equity and his recent veto of commonsense gun legislation, it's clear that the Governor is wildly out-of-touch with New Jersey values. While Governor Christie's top concern is his impending 2016 presidential run, Senator Buono's focus will be on putting the 400,000 unemployed New Jerseyans back to work and reducing families' property taxes.

Christie Puts Ego Before Sandy Victims

Josh Levitt
Buono for Governor


After the Asbury Park Press revealed that Governor Christie selected a more expensive proposal that prominently featured himself in marketing the Jersey Shore, papers across the state have roundly criticized him for this arrogant and self-serving decision. Take a look for yourself.

Details of Chris Christie's 'Stronger than the Storm' commericals go to politically active PR firm, high bidder
By Bob Jordan//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 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.

Firm behind Christie's 'Stronger than the Storm' commercials hired top GOP insider before winning contract
By Bob Jordan//Asbury Park Press

MWW bolstered its relationship with state Republicans in the weeks before making a bid on the $25 million “Stronger Than The Storm’’ government advertising contract, hiring the former executive director of the Burlington County Republican Committee and acquiring a government affairs firm headed by a longtime GOP strategist. Rich Levesque, the former Burlington leader, was billed as having “strong relationships over the years with many of Governor (Chris) Christie’s closest advisors as well as many of his cabinet appointees,” according to bid documents MWW submitted to state officials. Republican Christie’s administration in April awarded the contract to MWW and a subcontractor, who are getting $4.7 million for employee compensation and markups to run the campaign. That’s more than $2 million over what the runner-up bidder planned to charge.

Gov. Christie's shameless $2M self-promotion: Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial

What makes this so offensive is that the money comes from federal aid intended for storm victims. So the next time the governor visits the Shore to take credit for Washington’s help, maybe the families and small business owners who are still on their knees can ask the governor why he ranked his own self-promotion as a higher priority than their relief.

Same old tune under Christie
Asbury Park Press Editorial

New Jersey is definitely stronger than the storm. But it apparently isn’t any stronger than Gov. Chris Christie’s ego and state politics as usual.

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

Chris Christie’s Vegas Vacation

From Josh Levitt
Buono for Governor


New Jersey’s economy is lagging behind the rest of the country. With over 400,000 New Jerseyans out of work, property taxes continuing to rise and middle class families struggling to make ends meet, there is much that needs to be done to restore New Jersey’s economy. Yet instead of focusing on New Jersey, Governor Christie spent yesterday in Las Vegas to "kiss the ring" of a conservative billionaire who wasted over $100 million in 2012 in failed attempt to defeat President Obama. It’s clear that Christie’s top concern is chasing cash and support in advance of his 2016 presidential campaign, not lifting up New Jersey families and workers.

Christie heads to Vegas for event with GOP mega-donor
By Catalina Camia//USA Today
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie apparently has decided it's not stupid to visit Las Vegas in the summer. The Las Vegas Sun reports Christie, a Republican running for a second term, plans to be in town Thursday for a fundraiser hosted by casino mogul Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Miriam. Adelson, the biggest political donor in the 2012 elections, and his wife contributed about $92 million to super PACs and other groups aligned with Republicans.

Chris Christie at Sheldon Adelson fundraiser in Las Vegas
By Maggie Haberman//Politico
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is attending a gubernatorial fundraiser in Las Vegas Thursday hosted by casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson and his wife Miriam, a source familiar with the event confirmed to POLITICO.
… Adelson single-handidly funded a pro-Newt Gingrich super PAC that kept the presidential candidate alive in the 2012 primaries for a time.

No time for beer, Christie heads to Vegas for fundraising with casino billionaire
By Alexandra Jaffe//The Hill
… But many Republicans believe Christie is also preparing for a 2016 White House bid. The event with Adelson, one of 2012's top Republican donors, in an early caucus state, is likely to fuel rather than dampen those rumors.
… Adelson spent at least $98 million on the 2012 election, initially to back Newt Gingrich's ill-fated run.

Christie To Attend Private Adelson Fundraiser In Vegas
By Perry Stein//Talking Points Memo
… “Why is the New Jersey governor coming here in the middle of the summer if he’s not running for president, and particularly hosted by an individual who has actively been involved in fundraising for Republicans?” Eric Herzik, a UNR professor of political science, told the Sun. “He’s giving every indication that even though he’s running for re-election as governor, he could be tempted to run for president. It wouldn’t surprise me if this is a get-to-know-you session on behalf of both sides (Christie and Adelson).”

Chris Christie finds a reason to visit Las Vegas in the dead of summer
By Andrew Doughman//Las Vegas Sun
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie plans to visit Las Vegas on Thursday for a private fundraiser hosted by Sheldon and Miriam Adelson at the Palazzo. The event is technically for Christie’s gubernatorial re-election campaign this year, but it’s never too early for a potential presidential contender to visit an early caucus state.

Republican donor Sheldon Adelson hosts Christie at Las Vegas fundraiser
By Jenna Portnoy//The Star-Ledger
Conservative casino magnate and major Republican donor Sheldon Adelson and his wife will host a fundraiser for Gov. Chris Christie in Las Vegas today, The Las Vegas Sun reported. While in town for the private fundraiser, the Republican governor will also deliver a speech at the Kipp charter school conference. Then Christie heads to Milwaukee for annual summer meetings of the National Governors Association before going on vacation at the shore next week.

Christie flouts own advice for Vegas fundraiser
By Melissa Hayes//The Record
Governor Christie once said someone would have to be stupid to go to Las Vegas in the middle of summer as he made a pitch for tourism in Atlantic City. But against his own advice, the Republican planned to hit the strip Thursday and entertain donors at The Palazzo, a top-rated luxury resort owned by Sheldon Adelson. The Las Vegas Sands Corp. chief executive officer and his wife, Miriam, hosted the event, according to the Las Vegas Sun.
… Adelson — who pledged to spend $100 million in an attempt to defeat President Obama last year — reportedly gave $150 million to candidates, committees and special interest groups supporting Republicans.

Is billionaire Adelson funding Christie's 2016 prez run?
By Matt Katz//Philadelphia Inquirer
Sheldon Adelson, the casino magnate who is believed to have given more money to an election in 2012 than any other person in history -- including a whopping $92 million to 2012 Republican candidates via a series of outside groups -- is holding a fundraiser today for Gov. Christie at The Palazzo in Las Vegas. The fundraiser is technically for Christie's re-election campaign, but c'mon, Adelson doesn't strike me as a guy who plays small-ball state politics. He plays for the presidency, and this has 2016 written all over it. Adelson essentially subsidized Newt Gingrich's campaign in 2012 before moving over to Mitt Romney. A staunch supporter of Israel, Adelson might have appreciated Christie's controversial and hawkish comments last week. He also probably likes that the gov visited Israel last year. I emailed Bill Palatucci, Christie's campaign chairman, but he said he wouldn't give me details about how many people attended the fundraiser -- or more importantly, how much money was raised.

Christie's Conservative Buddy: Steve King

from Josh Levitt
Buono for Governor

Last week, Congressman Steve King commented that many undocumented youth were involved in the drug trade. These outrageous and insulting remarks were criticized by elected leaders across the aisle. However, Governor Christie today refused to rule out campaigning for King in the future. Let's see what Governor Christie did last time King made derogatory remarks....

Governor Humblebrag

Josh Levitt
Buono for Governor

With 400,000 New Jerseyans out of work and property taxes continuing to skyrocket, you would think that Governor Christie's full attention and energy would be on strengthening New Jersey’s economy. Yet it’s clear that Governor Christie has prioritized his national political ambitions above the needs of New Jersey. His affinity for appearing on television shows and bragging about being courted by the Koch brothers trumps his interest in addressing the tough problems facing New Jersey. With so much at stake, New Jersey cannot afford another four years of Governor Christie’s self-interest.


New Book Quotes Not-So-Humble Christie on Presidential Thoughts
By Jonathan Martin//New York Times
...After Mr. Christie said he did not want any favors or campaign titles in return, Mr. Romney turned to his wife and said, “Wow, Christmas in October.” Turning back to Mr. Christie, Mr. Romney said, “Governor, you don’t know how important and big this is.” To which Mr. Christie said, “I do.”

Book: Chris Christie Is Awesome, According to Chris Christie
Philly Mag
The NYT reports today on a new book by Dan Balz, a veteran reporter, about the 2012 election. It apparently focuses a bit on Chris Christie’s ultimate decision not to run, but in so doing reveals the New Jersey governor’s, uh, self-regard. “It is hardly unusual for a politician to have an outsized ego,” the Times says in its overview of the book, “but Mr. Christie lacks the masking subtlety possessed by many in his business.”

Christie Defends TV Appearances as ‘Good Thing’ for New Jersey
By Terrence Dopp//Bloomberg
Give Chris Christie a television appearance or two and he’ll change the way you look at New Jersey. At least, that’s the way he tells it. New Jersey’s cachet has risen recently, and the governor’s turns on “Saturday Night Live” and David Letterman’s show are proof of that, Christie said today in Brick, where he announced a round of $100 million in federal funding to raise flood-prone houses. “When I became governor, the stuff people saw on TV about New Jersey was usually me carting off politicians to jail, ‘The Sopranos,’ ‘Real Housewives of New Jersey’ and — God forbid — the kids from ‘The Jersey Shore,’” Christie told reporters today. “To the extent that I can go out there and show a different side to our state, especially now as we’re trying to rebuild it, is a good thing for our state.”

Chris Christie: My TV Gigs Are Good For New Jersey
AP
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says his regular television appearances generate positive publicity for the state. Christie says when he became governor in 2010 the state's image was being shaped by the mob drama "The Sopranos" and reality shows "Jersey Shore" and "The Real Housewives of New Jersey." Christie, who has become a national figure in his three years as governor, says people now have a more positive image of the state.

Gov. Christie: 'Happy' to be on Michael J. Fox show
By Catalina Camia//USA Today
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says there's no chance of him giving up his day job so he can give acting a try. The Republican filmed a guest appearance — as himself — on Michael J. Fox's new NBC show, which will air this fall. The Huffington Post reported Monday that this is Christie's "first foray into scripted comedy" after making several appearances on late-night TV talk shows. "You're not gonna have to worry about me leaving New Jersey to go begin my acting career," Christie said Tuesday. "I think I'm much better at this than that."

Chris Christie Says He's Doing Jersey a Favor Just By Being Chris Christie
By John Nichols//The Nation
...Chris Christie isn’t grabbing the national spotlight in order to enhance his re-election prospects and position himself for 2016. Chris Christie is doing New Jersey a favor. And if you don’t agree, there’s a pretty good chance the governor will go on national television and call you “stupid.”

Will he or won't he? Christie, Buono trade barbs as governor's race heats up over debates question
By Jenna Portnoy//The Star-Ledger
...Asked about the barb during a news conference in Brick today, Christie came back swinging. “That's what a lot of people think about me in New Jersey. I'm sure that the word 'coward' is something that immediately pops up,” the Republican governor said, sarcastically, and continued: “Listen, I read about that. The fact of the matter is that Barbara Buono's worst days of the campaign will be the days that I debate her. I can assure you that."

Christie Stars in NJ Tourism Ads, Dems Cry Foul
By Shushannah Walshe//ABC News
…“They are in a uniquely qualified position to tell a very wide audience beyond New Jersey that our state and our Shore is open for business,” Reed said in a statement.

Dems object as Christie clan stars in publicly funded tourism ads
By Jenna Portnoy//The Star-Ledger
…Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak said it was MWW’s idea to feature the governor, his wife and their four children in the commercials."It’s pretty hard to argue that (the Christies) are in a uniquely qualified position to tell a very wide audience beyond New Jersey that our state and our Shore are open for business," Drewniak said. "And remember that the use of funds for the ad campaign was approved by the Obama administration from the first round of (block grant) money."

Christie hopes Latino vote helps bring 'very big' victory in November
By Matthew Arco//Politicker NJ
The state’s Republican incumbent governor is hoping a campaign surge within New Jersey’s Latino community will help give way to a “very, very, very big win in November.”

Christie wants to be re-elected by record amount
By Matthew Arco//Politicker NJ
Gov. Chris Christie says he’s setting his sights on garnering more than 50 percent of voter support in his bid for re-election. The governor told NJTV’s Michael Aron on this week’s On the Record he hopes to, first and foremost, win in the upcoming general election, but says a “big win” would be ideal. Christie said an election in which a Republican candidate can capture more than half the vote in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans almost five-to-one would be nothing short of record-breaking. “Let’s put in context what big means for a Republican governor in the state of New Jersey,” Christie said during the 25-minute interview. “We’re talking 25 years ago was the last time a Republican got about 50 percent in New Jersey,” he said, referring to the 1985 election when former Gov. Tom Kean trounced Peter Shapiro by about 70 percent to 30 percent. “So I’m shooting for that,” he said, referring to receiving more than 50 percent of the vote. “I’m shooting to break that record.”

Christie's Grand Standing

by Josh Levitt
Buono For Governor


Yesterday Governor Christie participated in a panel discussion with right-wing Governors called "“Republican Governors on What’s Working at the State Level.” But, instead of talking about New Jersey's struggling economy or the 400,000 New Jerseyans out of work, Governor Christie focused on his favorite topic: his inevitable 2016 presidential run. In a move designed solely to appeal to national Republicans, Governor Christie attacked one of his likely 2016 opponents for his foreign policy views. At this point, Gov. Christie is just itching to leave New Jersey in the dust to satisfy his political ambition.

Christie Cites 9/11 in Assailing Libertarian Trend in GOP
By Jonathan Martin//New York Times
Invoking the families of 9/11 victims, Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey on Thursdayheatedly denounced the growing libertarian drift on national security in the Republican Party that is favored by Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, and others in the party. “This strain of libertarianism that’s going through parties right now and making big headlines I think is a very dangerous thought,” Mr. Christie said on a panel with other Republican governors here. Asked if he was alluding to Mr. Paul, a potential Republican presidential rival, Mr. Christie spoke in deeply personal terms about the impact of the 2001 terrorist attacks on his state. “You can name any number of people and he’s one of them,” Mr. Christie shot back before referring to the more than 600 New Jersey families who lost relatives in the attacks. “These esoteric, intellectual debates — I want them to come to New Jersey and sit across from the widows and the orphans and have that conversation. And they won’t, because that’s a much tougher conversation to have.”

Christie goes after libertarians — hard
By Aaron Blake//Washington Post
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) on Thursday offered a clear broadside against Republicans drifting toward a more libertarian view of foreign policy, lumping Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) in with them and suggesting they explain their position to victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
The House earlier this week narrowly voted against a reduction in funding for the National Security Agency, as libertarian-leaning members from both sides joined together to vote for the amendment. “As a former prosecutor who was appointed by President George W. Bush on Sept. 10, 2001, I just want us to be really cautious, because this strain of libertarianism that’s going through both parties right now and making big headlines, I think, is a very dangerous thought,” Christie said. Asked whether he includes Paul — a fellow potential 2016 presidential candidate — in his criticism, Christie didn’t back down. “You can name any one of them that’s engaged in this,” he said. “I want them to come to New Jersey and sit across from the widows and the orphans and have that conversation. … I’m very nervous about the direction this is moving in.”

Christie: NSA critics should talk to 9/11 families
CNN
Opponents of government spying programs should talk to families who lost loved ones in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said at a Republican governors forum Thursday. Asked about the influence of libertarian-minded leaders in the GOP - including Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky - Christie said that when it comes to national security, those who oppose National Security Agency programs that monitor Americans' electronic activity were just wrong. "These esoteric, intellectual debates - I want them to come to New Jersey and sit across from the widows and orphans and have that conversation," Christie said. "And they won't. That's a lot tougher conversation to have." Christie was appearing on a panel of governors that also included Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, Mike Pence of Indiana and Scott Walker of Wisconsin. All four are considered potential candidates for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination, though the topic did not arise on Thursday.

Christie: Rand Paul 'dangerous'
By Hadas Gold//Politico
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is ripping libertarians - including Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.). - for challenging government surveillance programs and failing to understand the dangers of terrorism. “This strain of libertarianism that’s going through parties right now and making big headlines I think is a very dangerous thought,” the New Jersey governor said on Thursday at a Republican governors forum in Aspen, Colo. “You can name any number of people and (Paul is) one of them.”

Christie vs. Paul: The fight for the future of GOP foreign policy
By Aaron Blake//Washington Post
Shortly after New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie took to the stage with three fellow Republican governors here Thursday, he derided self-serving politicians who try to be all things to all people and are afraid to alienate anyone. By the end of the session, hosted by the nonpartisan Aspen Institute, Christie put his potential 2016 presidential hopes where his mouth is. And in the process, he set himself apart from — and risked alienating — a very significant and growing swath of the Republican Party led by Sen. Rand Paul: libertarians.

Libertarianism and the coming Republican political war
By Chris Cizzilla//Washington Post
...2. Chris Christie: The New Jersey governor’s condemnation of the creeping libertarianism within the GOP proves two things: 1) He’s running for president and 2) He will do so as a defense-defending hawk in the mold of Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. The question for Christie is whether he is another incarnation of Rudy Giuliani (tough talking hawk whose moderate credentials doomed him) or a whole new — and more successful — model for GOP candidate. Time will tell — but he’s definitely running. (Previous ranking: 2)

Gov. Christie Joins Anti-Rand Paul Club
By Abby Phillip//ABC News
The anti-Rand Paul club gained a new member: New Jersey’s Republican Gov. Chris Christie. Christie ripped into the Kentucky senator and his cohorts for promoting a “dangerous” libertarian philosophy on national security issues in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks. “I just want us to be really cautious because this strain of libertarianism going through both parties right now and making big headlines I think is a very dangerous thought,” Christie said at an Aspen Institute panel of Republican governors in Colorado Thursday night. Asked specifically whether he was referring to Paul, Christie said, “You can name any number of people and he’s one of them.”

Rand Paul to Chris Christie: You need to talk to more real Americans
By Ralph Z. Hallow//Washington Times
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, leading the opposition to drone killing of U.S. citizens and to massive government surveillance of U.S. citizens email and phone records, fired back at fellow Republican Christie Christie, the New Jersey governor, who had attacked the Kentucky Republican for opposing massive government surveillance of U.S. citizens. “If Governor Christie believes the constitutional rights and the privacy of all Americans is ‘esoteric,’ he either needs a new dictionary, or he needs to talk to more Americans, because a great number of them are concerned about the dramatic overreach of our government in recent years,” Paul senior adviser Doug Stafford told The Washington Times. Mr. Christie had told fellow GOP governors in Aspen, Colo., on Thursday that Mr. Paul is part of a “strain of libertarianism that’s going through parties right now and making big headlines I think is a very dangerous thought.”

Ambitions over Bipartisanship

Yesterday Governor Christie once again put his national ambitions ahead of bipartisanship, critiquing the President of the United States... repeatedly.

Christie & Conservatives Attack Women's Health

"Governor Christie's national ambitions are currently a hot topic of conversation. He is spending tomorrow hobnobbing with conservative Republicans who have recently passed some of the most extreme laws restricting women's access to health care that America has ever seen. Of course, New Jersey knows that Governor Christie supports their work because he's spent the last four years vetoing funding for women's health centers across the state. Walker, McCrory, Kasich and Christie - made for each other."

Christie Finally Comments on Voting Rights Act Decision...Sort Of

Cleaver ad, I get it. But 4 minutes? Really?

25 days after the decision was made public and three questions from reporters later, the Buono for Governor campaign has unearthed video of Governor Christie commenting on the Supreme Court's decision to gut part of the Voting Rights Act...sort of.

An Economy Built to Last in NJ

From Josh Levitt
Buono For Governor


After four years of Governor Christie's failed policies, New Jersey's economy is at a crossroads. The Governor's tired, discredited trickle-down economic philosophy has left New Jersey with one of the worst job creation rates in the country and the highest unemployment rate in the region. With middle and working class families struggling to make ends meet, it's time for a change in New Jersey. Senator Buono's economic plan will strengthen New Jersey's middle class, creating new jobs and better preparing workers to compete in the 21st century economy. See for yourself below...

Buono Unveils NJ Economic Plan
By Angela Delli Santi//AP
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono has unveiled her economic plan for the state, and it contrasts sharply with Gov. Chris Christie's policies. Buono's plan, unveiled early Monday, focuses on shoring up the middle-class. It provides tax breaks to small businesses, pledges to make higher education more affordable and restores safety-net cuts made by Christie during his first term. The former chair of the Senate budget committee says her plan “reflects an understanding that economic growth begins with the middle class. We will create better jobs in New Jersey not just by offering tax credits to corporations, but by investing in our workforce, schools, working families, small businesses and infrastructure.”

Buono Outlines Economic Plan for New Jersey
NJ Today
...Buono said her five-plank economic plan aims to create jobs and a thriving middle class in New Jersey. The focus is to reinvest in current workers by retraining them and making sure they have the skills to be competitive since there will be higher skilled jobs in the future. “It also involves taking advantage of our assets and also … investing in our institutions of higher learning, our colleges, our universities, focusing on our county colleges and vocational schools as a way to retrain our workers for the jobs that are in demand,” she said. Raising the minimum wage is another initiative Buono supports. “I think it’s an embarrassment that we live in one of the highest cost of living states in the nation and there are 19 other states that have a higher minimum wage than we do,” she said. “People living on the minimum wage, so many still have to rely on public assistance, they live in public housing, rely on food stamps, people that are actually working but can’t make ends meet because this minimum wage is not about living, it’s about subsisting, it’s about existing.”

Buono slams Christie's economic record
By Jarrett Renshaw//The Star-Ledger
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono took aim at Gov. Chris Christie's economic record today, accusing him of failing the state's middle class while protecting the wealthy and large corporations. "This is a governor who's focused on giving tax cuts to millionaires and giving advantages to those already at the top while turning his back on the middle class and working poor," Buono told a small crowd gathered in the backyard of the Nutley home of state Assemblyman Al Caputo (D-Essex). "That's what my economic plan addresses."

Buono Touts Her Economic Plan, Says Christie is Out of Touch with Middle Class
NJ Today
...Buono’s 40-point plan would hike the minimum wage, redirect tax credits away from large corporations and toward small businesses, require all employers to provide paid sick days for their workers and foster research partnerships between universities and corporations.

Buono says Christie turned his back on the middle class
By Matthew Arco//Politicker NJ
The Democratic gubernatorial hopeful argued that Gov. Chris Christie is “more out of touch with the middle class than Mitt Romney” was in the last presidential election, telling a small group of Nutley residents and elected officials today that Christie is more concerned with protecting New Jersey’s richest. “How could I not run? Look at the shape our state is in,” she said. Buono discussed her economic plan she rolled out less than two days ago that would, among other things, redirect business tax credits to small business. “We need to redirect our tax credits to where they will be the most effective,” she said, calling Christie’s $2.1 billion in tax credits to large corporations largely a failure.

Buono campaigns in hometown Nutley
By Hasime Kukaj//Nutley Sun
...Buono stressed the importance of education, referring to her experience in the "amazing" Nutley public schools. "We need to invest in institutions of higher learning," Buono added. She attended Montclair State University. She said she talks to students who don't want to go to college for financial reasons. According to her campaign, "New Jersey experiences a net loss of 30,000 college students every year." Buono plans to make college tuition more affordable for New Jersey residents. "[Students] graduate with three Ds - a degree, debt and disappointment," she said. By 2018, she said relatively 800,000 new jobs are going to require postsecondary credentials. "400,000 [people] are still unemployed in New Jersey," Buono added.

Buono Talks Economy, Education and Christie at Nutley “Kitchen Table Conversation”
By Adam Bulger//Patch
...She said the state is currently suffering from what she described as Christie’s “failed trickle down economic policy” and said the governor is “as out of touch as Mitt Romney.” “We’re the bottom of the barrel for job creation,” Buono said. There are 400,000 unemployed people in New Jersey. More than that are underemployed.” The economic record, she said, spoils one of Christie’s favorite sayings. “This isn’t a comeback,” she said. “This is a catastrophe.”

Buono Unveils Economic Plan to Strengthen New Jersey’s Working and Middle Class

New Brunswick, NJ – Democratic gubernatorial candidate and State Senator Barbara Buono today released her plan to revitalize New Jersey’s economy. The Buono Economic Plan focuses on lifting up all New Jerseyans by giving them the training, resources and infrastructure they need to thrive in a 21st century economy.

“My plan was developed with the understanding that a strong economy begins with a strong middle class. In order to have sustainable, long-term growth we must invest in our workforce, schools, small businesses and infrastructure,” said Buono. “As Governor, I will marshal New Jersey’s resources to create jobs and make our state competitive in the global economy.”



You can find the entire Buono Economic Plan here.

The five-part plan calls for making strategic investments in New Jersey workers, ensuring working families can make ends meet and creating partnerships between institutions of higher learning and businesses in emerging industries so that New Jersey is at the forefront of the global economy.

New Jersey was once one of America’s leaders in developing complex technologies and lifesaving medicines. This history can be the foundation for the next generation of businesses that will move the Garden State forward. To make sure that New Jersey’s workers have the necessary skills, the Buono Economic Plan will:

• Restore New Jersey as a leader in research and innovation by emphasizing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum in our schools and providing higher education with the resources to expand this workforce.
• Create affordable options in our community colleges and vocational schools to train and retrain our workforce with the skills needed for developing industries.

The second part of the Buono Economic Plan will help working families that have been hurting under Governor Christie earn a living wage. This includes:

• Restoring the Earned Income Tax Credit to 25 percent and marketing it to all eligible families.
• Increasing New Jersey’s minimum wage and tying it to cost of living increases.
• Expanding tax relief for child care expenses that cost the average New Jersey family 9 percent of its monthly income.
• Giving parents the tools to save for their children’s higher education through the NJ BEST program.

As Governor, Barbara Buono will commit to fostering cooperative partnerships between emerging markets and institutions of higher learning, which will define New Jersey as a leader in innovation and help attract high quality businesses. To do this, she will:

• Connect start-up and emerging market businesses with institutions of higher learning.
• Increase investments in research and development to attract new businesses to New Jersey.

Tax credits and incentives work best when targeted at the communities and businesses that need it most. Approximately 95% of all New Jersey companies are small businesses. To help grow this sector of the economy, the Buono Economic Plan will:

• Target assistance to small businesses, many of which are women-and minority-owned.
• Start a Community Solutions program to help small businesses open and grow.
• Target tax credits for small businesses in biotechnology, life sciences, and other advanced fields.
• Restore and strengthen oversight of the Urban Enterprise Zone program

Finally, many people in New Jersey are facing obstacles that can only be removed by the government action. To promote growth, the Buono Economic Plan will:

• Tackle the foreclosure crisis and keep families in their homes.
• Fix crumbling infrastructure by leveraging private capital and federal funds to pay for new projects.
• Renew our commitment to a clean energy economy by investing in renewable energy sources and promoting energy efficiency.

Buono: Public Contracts Must Uphold New Jersey Values

New Brunswick, NJ – Democratic gubernatorial candidate and State Senator Barbara Buono issued the following statement:

“It is outrageous that Governor Christie's Administration would award a public contract to a subsidiary of a Chinese government-owned business with ties to Iran. This is a violation of the Iran Sanction bill and clearly out of line with New Jersey values. The fact that we even have to question this is troubling.

"The Administration has failed to ensure that this contract was both financially beneficial and morally right. I call on the Governor to clarify the criteria he used to develop the list and confirm that he is not awarding public contracts to foreign companies doing business with Iran."