New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie visited Capitol Hill Wednesday, meeting with House of Representatives Republicans and blasting President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address.
Christie is the second potential Republican candidate who travelled to Washington this week to woo potential backers. Tuesday, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush huddled with association executives and lobbyists. He reportedly did not say he was running for president, but discussed his views on a wide range of topics.
Christie, who later Wednesday headed to Annapolis, Md., to attend Republican Larry Hogan Jr.,’s inauguration, called Obama’s address “a bit disconnected from reality, but not a bit surprising."
According to an account by Herb Jackson of the Bergen County Record, Christie spoke to about 25 House members Wednesday.
"I told people today exactly what I've said before, which is they have an opportunity to govern and they should govern in a way they think is in the best interests of the country," Christie told Jackson. "And I'm encouraged from a lot of the stuff I heard this morning."
Jackson reported that House members leaving the meeting said Christie talked about defense, his New Jersey record and the party’s future.
Some of Jackson’s account:
‘"He sent a message to my congressional colleagues he's considering running, a very positive message about his accomplishments in New Jersey," said Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-Harding, one of the hosts of the meeting.
‘"I was really pleased we had a very nice turnout and a good opportunity for the governor to talk a little bit about America's future and answer questions," said Rep. Pat Meehan, R-Pa., another host.
"The governor is a very remarkable communicator" said Rep. Frank LoBiondo, of Atlantic County. "He's very plain spoken, and for those who haven't heard him before, his message was well received. “I think he's clearly looking for the opportunity to introduce himself to more people as he makes a decision. He made that clear, a decision has not been made. But he's thinking about it."’