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.
