Local Sports Fans React To Christie Celebration With Jerry Jones
By Cleve Bryan
RUNNEMEDE, N.J., (CBS) -- New Jersey's Eagles and Giants fans cringed once again Sunday as Governor Chris Christie embraced Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones during the team's first round playoff victory on Sunday.
"It was sickening and infuriating seeing Chris Christie up in that box smiling and shaking hands. I would not vote for him for dog catcher anymore," says Kathleen Thompson, a manager at the Phily Diner and Sports Bar in Runnemede.
Some question the cost of the trip.
"You know I think it's a waste of taxpayer's money myself," says customer John Wenner.
On Monday the Governor's Press Office released a statement about the cost of the trip to Dallas saying, "Governor Christie attended the game last night as a guest of Jerry Jones, who provided both the ticket and transportation at no expense to New Jersey taxpayers."
Christie's office would not comment on the cost for taxpayers to provide the Governor's security detail but cited an executive order which allows Governor's to accept gifts from relatives and personal friends.
Yep, Christie and Jones are personal friends and speaking to WFAN in New York Monday morning Christie said this was the 5th Cowboys game he attended this season.
"I love passionate Eagles fans, that's great I'm glad they're rooting hard for their team but just because I'm Governor of New Jersey doesn't mean I change who I root for," said Christie.
Some people are more worried about the political aspect than the sports component to the Dallas trip.
"In my opinion, everyone is entitled to follow their favorite team. The problem is New Jersey has a governor that regularly abandons our state, travels on the taxpayer dime and promotes policies that undermine the general welfare of our communities," said John Currie, Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee.
New Jersey Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald (D- Camden, Burlington) questions if Christie's possible presidential ambitions are having an effect on his governing.
"Is his public policy decisions in how we address New Jersey's problems being influence in some manner by his desire to run for national office," questions Greenwald, "and what may sell in Texas and what may sell in Iowa may not sell in New Jersey."
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