Christie: Duty meets fatherhood, necessitated chopper flights

DENVILLE – Answering a smattering of questions regarding his executive travel prerogatives, Gov. Chris Christie said today, “My initial reaction

DENVILLE – Answering a smattering of questions regarding his executive travel prerogatives, Gov. Chris Christie said today, “My initial reaction to not reimbursing was because I was told that there’s nothing to reimburse for” by the head of the state police.

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Addressing press at a hospital in Morris County, the governor said, “I’m governor 24-7 every single day, but I’m also a father…Sometimes when you’re governor, you do not control your schedule.”

“Mary Pat and I wrote our check today,” he said, as did the state Republican committee.

“I’m sure (Treasurer) Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff scurried off to the bank immediately (to cash these checks),” he said, not masking his distaste for the coverage of the event, claiming it’s just a fun story for the press.

“We have seen the effect of this type of, really, silliness, result in a guy like Jon Corzine driving around this state at 90 miles-per-hour,” Christie said. “I’m not going to do that to myself.”

“My son’s next game is tomorrow in Sparta,” he said. “We’ll see what we’re going to do.”

He blamed scheduling on Tuesday, including the Senate hearing for his Supreme Court appointee, Anne Patterson, for having to fly to Bergen County, rather than drive.

“I don’t have the capacity (to watch the hearing in the car),” Christie said. The choice to stay and watch the hearing on NJN, which was broadcast online, he said, “That’s my judgment to make, though.”

“I think if you look at my history of use of the helicopter (it is the) most judicious of any governor in recent memory,” he said.

Christie: Duty meets fatherhood, necessitated chopper flights