As of February 10th, Chris Christie has suspended his presidential campaign.
ISSUES
Environmental Regulation and Climate Change
Chris Christie believes that climate change is both real and man-made. However, he does not see it as an urgent crisis and opposes regulation. Instead, he thinks that climate change should be tackled by the government working with the private sector to make going green a private venture. Moreover, he believes that the nation should be investing in all types of energy including both fossil fuels and renewable resources such as solar and wind power. He would like to see expanded research in new technologies, but does not offer any specifics.
Policy Proposals
Relevant History
Representative Quotes
Policy Proposals
- Approve the Keystone XL Pipeline.
- Lift bans on crude oil exports.
- Expedite approval of natural gas pipelines between the United States and Mexico.
- Expand research in new technologies.
- Create fairness in the way the energy industry is regulated.
Relevant History
- As governor, in 2011 Christie withdrew New Jersey from the nine-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which was a cap-and-trade program to reduce emissions. Christie later vetoed an attempt by the New Jersey state legislature to rejoin the RGGI.
- Opposed to President Obama's Clean Power Plan, including filing a lawsuit challenging the new emissions rules.
- Vetoed legislation to limit fracking.
- Supported efforts to cut the red tape that makes solar power expensive and inaccessible. He recently signed into law legislation that will allow more home and business owners to install solar power.
Representative Quotes
- "The climate has been changing forever and it will always change and man will always contribute to it. It's not a crisis."
- "That's the way we deal with global warming — not through government intervention, not through government taxes, and for God's sake, don't send Washington another dime until they stop wasting the money they are already sending now."
Gun Control and Gun Violence
Christie has said that his stance on this issue is not gun control but rather violence control. Therefore, he has pushed for, on some occasions, laws favoring gun control. Instead of focusing on major gun control, he tries to restrict people with mental health disabilities from obtaining firearms. He says he supports gun control legislation but they have to be coming from a law enforcement perspective.
The other candidates have attacked Christie on his gun control views from earlier in his career. Marco Rubio has become the main candidate who has attacked him on this issue. Rubio said, “I just honestly don’t believe that the next president of the United States, and the Republican nominee, should be someone . . . who got into politics to begin with in order to pass gun control.” Rubio has also compared Christie’s views as very close to those of the Obama administration. The White House seems to agree with Rubio on this issue. When Christie attacked Obama about gun control, the White House Press Secretary said, “I think it’s probably worth taking a close look at Gov. Christie’s record on some of these issues to see whether or not he has changed his position in an effort to try to round up votes in a Republican presidential primary.”
Policy Proposals
Relevant History
Representative Quotes
The other candidates have attacked Christie on his gun control views from earlier in his career. Marco Rubio has become the main candidate who has attacked him on this issue. Rubio said, “I just honestly don’t believe that the next president of the United States, and the Republican nominee, should be someone . . . who got into politics to begin with in order to pass gun control.” Rubio has also compared Christie’s views as very close to those of the Obama administration. The White House seems to agree with Rubio on this issue. When Christie attacked Obama about gun control, the White House Press Secretary said, “I think it’s probably worth taking a close look at Gov. Christie’s record on some of these issues to see whether or not he has changed his position in an effort to try to round up votes in a Republican presidential primary.”
Policy Proposals
- Incorporate screening for mental health issues with background checks. He believes people with a history of having mental health disabilities should not be allowed to obtain guns.
Relevant History
- Christie began his career pro gun control but as he has remained governor of New Jersey has taken a more anti gun control stance.
- When he ran against an incumbent Republican for a NJ Senate seat in 1994, Christie said that he ran because he was angered by “the recent attempt by certain Republican legislators to repeal NJ's ban on assault weapons. . . . It’s dangerous. It’s crazy. It’s radical. They must be stopped.”
- In 2009, Christie pushed for various gun reforms in New Jersey including banning .50 caliber weapons. He opposed a move by Congress that would have overridden New Jersey’s strict gun control laws. Congress attempted to pass legislation that would make states respect concealed carry permits like they treat drivers licenses. New Jersey has very strict concealed carry licenses which force those who have these permits to lock their guns. Christie pushed against the bill because he believes states should have the right to decide their own gun control legislation.
- In 2013, Christie vetoed bills banning certain weapons and large magazines, which New Jersey Democrats point to as a turning point for Christie on gun control.
- Also vetoed the recording of certain firearm information, changing of the state definition of a “destructive device” that would have restricted the ownership of certain firearms, and a ban on certain magazines.
Representative Quotes
- "I think that when you look at what we've done in New Jersey, we want to control violence. And some of that may involve firearms, but a lot of it doesn't. In fact, my focus has been on making sure that mental health is done in a much more aggressive way in New Jersey.”
- “What I support are common-sense laws that will allow people to protect themselves, but I also am very concerned about the safety of our police officers on the streets — very concerned. And I want to make sure that we don’t have an abundance of guns out there.”
Drugs and Criminal Law
Chris Christie takes a strong stance against drugs and crime, but generally prefers rehabilitation over punishment. He supports medical marijuana but has promised to enforce the federal ban on recreational use. He would also strengthen enforcement against the use of other illegal drugs. However, for first time, nonviolent drug offenders, Christie prefers rehabilitative programs such as drug courts, instead of prison. Christie prefers rehabilitation in general because he believes the United States incarcerates too many people, citing numerous times that the country has the highest incarceration rates in the world. Christie strongly emphasizes assisting offenders and ex-offenders through various means, ultimately hoping to lower crime and incarceration numbers. Additionally, Christie favors shortening sentences by reducing mandatory minimum sentences, and granting clemency and pardons. Christie also supports the death penalty but favors restricting it to the most deserving cases.
Opposition to Christie’s policies come from both parties. Regarding the death penalty, Rand Paul and Bernie Sanders stand against it, but for completely different reasons. Rand Paul believes in restricting law enforcement agencies to prevent them from breaching American civil liberties and has attacked Christie for supporting unchecked agencies.
Policy Proposals
Relevant History
Representative Quotes
Opposition to Christie’s policies come from both parties. Regarding the death penalty, Rand Paul and Bernie Sanders stand against it, but for completely different reasons. Rand Paul believes in restricting law enforcement agencies to prevent them from breaching American civil liberties and has attacked Christie for supporting unchecked agencies.
Policy Proposals
- Reform law enforcement by modeling it around his success in Camden, New Jersey. With the help of Congress, he would provide funding for states to upgrade and improve crime-fighting technology and would encourage states to focus on community outreach by placing more officers on the street.
- Make drug-courts mandatory in federal courts to lower re-arrest rates and government costs.
- Enact bail reform which would determine bail prices by risk of re-offending, including allowing for non-monetary bails for first-time, nonviolent offenders.
- Enforce current federal ban on marijuana.
- Rehabilitate ex-offenders by providing proper support. This includes preventing employers from conducting background checks before first interviews and increasing “education and job training."
Relevant History
- Signed the Opportunity to Compete Act which “limits employers from conducting criminal background checks on job applicants until after a first interview has taken place.”
- Expanded access to rehabilitative programs throughout the state
- “Signed a law that created non-monetary alternatives” to bail for “low-level offenders,” as he believes the current system disproportionately affects lower classes.
- Supported a failed bill that attempted to bring back the death penalty in New Jersey.
Representative Quotes
- “Peace on our streets is more than just the absence of violence. Justice isn’t something we can jail our way to. Justice is something we have to build in our communities.”
- “We passed real criminal justice reform in New Jersey. We can now release individuals accused of minor crimes without bail and ensure that those who pose the biggest risks — the severest threats to our community — are kept behind bars and off our streets.”
Civil Rights - Gender and Sexual Orientation
While Christie’s website does not mention his opinions regarding civil rights and specifically the rights of LGBT individuals, according to the Human Rights Campaign, Christie has consistently opposed same-sex marriages and instead prefers civil unions for same-sex couples. Although he does not support marriage equality, Christie still believes that LGBT individuals and couples deserve the same legal protections as married couple. However, Christie does not consider marriage equality, as a whole, to be a civil rights issue. In addition, Christie also opposes conversion therapy as he believes “the practice exposes children to serious health risks.” Prior to 1995, Christie considered himself to be pro-choice. This was until he first heard his daughter’s fetal heartbeat and now, Christie is firmly pro-life. He declares, “I believe that every life is a gift from God that’s precious and must be protected.” And as he values each and every human life, with the belief that it has been given by God, he feels God is also responsible for determining when these lives end, not humans.
Christie’s opinion on “how LGBT nondiscrimination protections interact with religious liberty” contrasts with that of the other Republican presidential candidates, and he faces a significant amount of opposition, especially from Ted Cruz, who has made ‘“religious liberty” a centerpiece of his campaign. In addition, the Republican National Committee opposes Christie’s beliefs, as it has recently endorsed legislation that protects businesses that discriminate. Christie fully supports the ability to practice religion freely, but he does not believe that it entitles businesses to discriminate against certain customers and LGBT individuals. Marco Rubio has attacked Christie for changing his beliefs on abortion. He criticized Christie for having supported Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor (whom he views as being pro-choice) and previously having donated to Planned Parenthood.
Policy Proposals
Relevant History
Representative Quotes
Christie’s opinion on “how LGBT nondiscrimination protections interact with religious liberty” contrasts with that of the other Republican presidential candidates, and he faces a significant amount of opposition, especially from Ted Cruz, who has made ‘“religious liberty” a centerpiece of his campaign. In addition, the Republican National Committee opposes Christie’s beliefs, as it has recently endorsed legislation that protects businesses that discriminate. Christie fully supports the ability to practice religion freely, but he does not believe that it entitles businesses to discriminate against certain customers and LGBT individuals. Marco Rubio has attacked Christie for changing his beliefs on abortion. He criticized Christie for having supported Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor (whom he views as being pro-choice) and previously having donated to Planned Parenthood.
Policy Proposals
- Ban of abortion “starting 20 weeks after fertility, allowing for exceptions if the pregnancy is caused by rape or incest or if the life of the mother is in danger."
- Enact legislation preventing discrimination against LGBT citizens both at home and in the workplace
Relevant History
- Has stated that sexual orientation is determined at birth. This is a unique opinion in comparison to other candidates and has been considered to be offensive to some.
- Vetoed legislation that would have reduced restrictions on surrogate pregnancies.
- Vetoed a bill that would have legalized same-sex marriage in the state (prior to the Supreme Court's ruling, which Christie has not sought and will not seek to reverse).
- Has successfully defunded Planned Parenthood for 6 years as the governor of New Jersey, through his veto power.
Representative Quotes
- Regarding the Supreme Court's same-sex marriage ruling: “when I know I’ve been defeated, you don’t bang your head against the wall anymore and spend taxpayer money to do it.”
- "I've vetoed Planned Parenthood funding, now, eight times in New Jersey. Since the day I walked in as governor, Planned Parenthood has not been funded in New Jersey. We stood up and every one of those vetoes has been sustained."
- “Religious organizations should be protected from having to do anything that violates their religious beliefs as a religious organization. That should be protected. But other businesses who want to do business, they should have to be able to do business under the laws of our country.”
Civil Rights - Race and Ethnicity
Throughout his campaign, Chris Christie has had conservative views regarding racial and ethnic inequalities. While he does believe that racism is an issue, he has criticized Black Lives Matter for creating an environment that puts police officers at risk. He believes that nationwide criticism of police officers is making the hostility even worse because it has led to resentment towards them. In fact, a large part of his campaign has been about helping and defending police officers. He has criticized Obama for not defending law enforcement officers. Also, while Christie has not openly opposed affirmative action, his track record in New Jersey shows that he is against it.
Policy Proposals
Relevant History
Representative Quotes
Policy Proposals
- Christie has not proposed any specific policies regarding racial or ethnic inequality. However, he has said he will defend police officers instead of what he believes is a promotion of tension between African Americans and law enforcement.
Relevant History
- Defended Maine governor Paul LePage after he made racial comments regarding drug dealers in Connecticut and New York who he claimed would go to Maine, sell drugs, and impregnate “white women.” LePage was one of the first endorsers of Christie’s campaign. Christie has said that LePage apologized, and dismissed it as a simple slip-up.
- Approved budget cuts for state programs that enforced diversity in New Jersey workplaces, and diversity laws were loosely enforced.
- Criticized Black Lives Matter for promoting hostility toward law enforcement, and Obama for not defending police officers.
- As New Jersey Governor in 2012, he proposed putting civil rights issues to vote by citizens. This idea was quickly struck down by many prominent minority leaders, such as Cory Booker, the mayor of Newark.
Representative Quotes
- "[President Obama] does not support the police, he doesn't back up the police, he justifies Black Lives Matter."
- "I think all lives matter. When I'm president of the United States, [law enforcement will] finally have a president who will have their back, and have it every day."
Fundraising Sources
Money Raised
As of October 16, 2016, Chris Christie raised $18,568,130. Most of this comes from large individual contributions (mostly from wealthy donors). Some of these donors include Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone, Goldman Sachs executive Gary Goldring, and former hedge fund owner Steven A. Cohen.
Super PACs
Criticism
Christie is having difficulty gaining new support, being criticized for “the Christie bubble,” a group of close advisers upon whom Christie depends for donations and advice. However, several of these advisers stopped backing Christie for the presidential election, such as Robert Zoellick, former World Bank president. Also, his donors do not span the entire country, causing Christie to miss fundraising opportunities by concentrating on the advisers’ areas and needs. Anthony Scaramucci, a hedge fund manager who once was in the “Christie bubble” but now supports Jeb Bush said, “He’s a very popular figure, but he’s made a mistake by not creating the necessary momentum for the kind of national organization you need to be successful. He’s not touching enough people. And I think this is a classic rookie mistake.” Christie is also lacking in thanking his donors, facing shortages in thank you notes and failing to return calls from one time donors.
As of October 16, 2016, Chris Christie raised $18,568,130. Most of this comes from large individual contributions (mostly from wealthy donors). Some of these donors include Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone, Goldman Sachs executive Gary Goldring, and former hedge fund owner Steven A. Cohen.
Super PACs
- Christie has several super PACs supporting him, such as America Leads, Christie’s personal super PAC, which has raised an additional $11 million for his campaign.
- Christie also has formed the super PAC Leadership Matters for America to be his second personal PAC.
Criticism
Christie is having difficulty gaining new support, being criticized for “the Christie bubble,” a group of close advisers upon whom Christie depends for donations and advice. However, several of these advisers stopped backing Christie for the presidential election, such as Robert Zoellick, former World Bank president. Also, his donors do not span the entire country, causing Christie to miss fundraising opportunities by concentrating on the advisers’ areas and needs. Anthony Scaramucci, a hedge fund manager who once was in the “Christie bubble” but now supports Jeb Bush said, “He’s a very popular figure, but he’s made a mistake by not creating the necessary momentum for the kind of national organization you need to be successful. He’s not touching enough people. And I think this is a classic rookie mistake.” Christie is also lacking in thanking his donors, facing shortages in thank you notes and failing to return calls from one time donors.
Defense and Foreign Policy
Christie believes in a strong military in order to keep America strong and accomplish a global agenda. In order to accomplish this objective, he would work to increase military funding as recommended by the National Defense Panel and former Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Christie also believes that the military needs to innovate in order to fight future battles. He supports funding for new weapons systems like unmanned aviation, directed energy weapons and space based capabilities as well as increased cyber warfare abilities. Furthermore, Christie, because of his background as a U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, would strengthen intelligence capabilities at home and abroad including NSA monitoring of communications. He would do this by giving intelligence services the legal tools to do their job and investing in technological capabilities to process increasing amounts of raw data. Finally, Christie is in favor of strengthening and expanding existing alliances such as NATO, Israel and in the Pacific.
Christie has faced criticism from other candidates for both the substance of his plans and his style. For example, Rand Paul attacked Christie in a debate, saying, “I think if you’re in favor of World War III you have your candidate. What we want in a leader is someone with judgment, not someone who is so reckless as to stand on the stage and say 'yes I’m jumping up and down I’m going to shoot down Russian planes.'” Christie, as a former U.S. Attorney, has been an advocate of NSA monitoring of domestic communications. In direct contrast Rand Paul has criticized Christie for this, saying, “I want to collect more records from terrorists, but less records from innocent Americans”. The media, too, has criticized Christie’s attitude. For example, Heather Digby, a writer on Salon, accused Christie of simply being too egotistical and bellicose to be successful in foreign policy. “It would appear that he does believe that if he were president the US military would be an extension of his massive ego and very big mouth.”
Policy Proposals
Relevant History
Representative Quotes
Christie has faced criticism from other candidates for both the substance of his plans and his style. For example, Rand Paul attacked Christie in a debate, saying, “I think if you’re in favor of World War III you have your candidate. What we want in a leader is someone with judgment, not someone who is so reckless as to stand on the stage and say 'yes I’m jumping up and down I’m going to shoot down Russian planes.'” Christie, as a former U.S. Attorney, has been an advocate of NSA monitoring of domestic communications. In direct contrast Rand Paul has criticized Christie for this, saying, “I want to collect more records from terrorists, but less records from innocent Americans”. The media, too, has criticized Christie’s attitude. For example, Heather Digby, a writer on Salon, accused Christie of simply being too egotistical and bellicose to be successful in foreign policy. “It would appear that he does believe that if he were president the US military would be an extension of his massive ego and very big mouth.”
Policy Proposals
- Increase the size of the U.S. military to include a 350 ship Navy, 6000 combat aircraft, and a standing Army of 500,000 soldiers and 185,000 Marines, but he didn't specify if he would cut spending elsewhere to pay for the increases. By comparison, current American forces number a Navy with 282 ships (smallest since 1916), about 5900 combat aircraft and 450,000 soldiers and 182,100 marines. Christie’s most significant buildup would be increasing the size of the Navy and Army.
- Innovate new and better weapons systems like unmanned aviation, directed energy weapons and space based weapons.
- Empower the intelligence community to do their job by providing tougher anti-terrorism and surveillance laws. Christie supports NSA monitoring of USA citizens as an example of empower the intelligence community.
- Innovate new technologies and infrastructure to support the intelligence functions and be able to process and interpret vast amounts of data.
- Increase human intelligence capabilities at home and abroad by expanding available manpower.
- Support and expand alliances with NATO, Israel, Arab countries aligned against ISIS and Asian countries.
- Arm Emiratis, Jordanians, Egyptians and others before sending US troops to fight ISIS.
Relevant History
- Opposed the closing of the Guantanamo Bay detention center.
- Instructed the New Jersey Port Authority to not allow any flights to Cuba until convicted murderer Joanne Chesimard was returned from Cuba to the USA.
- Advocated retaliation against the Chinese and others if proven responsible for cyber attacks.
- In 2013, Christie pushed back against other potential Presidential candidates such as Senator Paul by going on record supporting George W. Bush’s anti-terrorism measures, which were largely continued by President Obama.
Representative Quotes
- "The vast majority of Americans aren't worried about the government listening in on them, because it hasn't happened."
- “Israel’s enemies hate her for the same reason they hate America. There’s a reason that America is referred to as the “Great Satan” and Israel is referred to as “Little Satan.” Americans and Israelis both believe in free enterprise, accountability, in transparency, and in rewarding excellence. We both believe in the rule of law and limits on the power of the state. We both believe in peace through strength.”
- “We can’t pull up the drawbridge that connects America to the rest of the world. That simply doesn’t work.”
- Perhaps indicative of Christie’s style relating to world leaders he says his first phone call from the White House would be to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "And I'd say to him, 'Listen. We're enforcing this no-fly zone, and I mean we're enforcing it. Against anyone. Including you. So don't try me. Don't. Try me. 'Cause I'll do it.”
Business Regulation and Corporations
Like other Republicans, Christie believes that in order for us to reach our potential as a nation we need tax reform and less regulations. Christie wants to lower taxes for corporations because he thinks that is how we can create more jobs and more capital investment. His “regulatory zero” plan (see below) follows the principle that the benefits must outweigh the costs for any new regulatory change proposed. Christie doesn’t think the president and his administration should be going out of its way imposing regulations, and believes that, as president one should implement actions only explicitly authorized by statute. Although recently he has hinted he would consider a mild increase in minimum wage, in the past he has said a higher minimum wage will not help move poor people into the middle class and is bad for businesses. With an improved tax climate and fewer regulations, Christie believes “you'll see economic growth 4 or 5 percent, and then you're going to see an America that's leading the world into the 21st century.”
Although people are hesitant to blame Christie for the economic troubles of New Jersey in the past few years, some point out the lack of actions to improve the situation. Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, said, “We should be concerned that higher income residents are more prone to leave and that many will do so before they retire. This would leave behind a depleted tax base coupled with a population in need of greater support. If these conditions come to fruition, the affordability anxieties that are driving people out of the state now will only get worse.” Even after Christie tried an expensive subsidy strategy to keep companies in New Jersey, many are leaving, including Mercedes, which left because “the cost of doing business in New Jersey, as well as its taxes, were all just too high when compared to a state like Georgia.” Some have called his recent consideration of a mild increase in minimum wage a political move to gain traction in the polls. They cite his past views on a higher minimum wage as an ineffective way of helping move poor people into the middle class.
Policy Proposals
Relevant History
Representative Quotes
Although people are hesitant to blame Christie for the economic troubles of New Jersey in the past few years, some point out the lack of actions to improve the situation. Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, said, “We should be concerned that higher income residents are more prone to leave and that many will do so before they retire. This would leave behind a depleted tax base coupled with a population in need of greater support. If these conditions come to fruition, the affordability anxieties that are driving people out of the state now will only get worse.” Even after Christie tried an expensive subsidy strategy to keep companies in New Jersey, many are leaving, including Mercedes, which left because “the cost of doing business in New Jersey, as well as its taxes, were all just too high when compared to a state like Georgia.” Some have called his recent consideration of a mild increase in minimum wage a political move to gain traction in the polls. They cite his past views on a higher minimum wage as an ineffective way of helping move poor people into the middle class.
Policy Proposals
- Lower the corporate income tax to 25%, from the current 35%. He wants to lower the corporate income tax to give companies the opportunity to bring back to America the over two trillions dollars in profit overseas at a lower tax rate. His plan hopes that returning this money to America will result in more capital investment.
- Require that for each new regulation, one of equal cost must be removed to keep the balance. He also wants to impose a maximum cap on costs for employers to comply with all federal regulation.
Relevant History
- Created, as governor, the Red Tape Review Group, which was made to report on ways to fix and reform the state’s bureaucracy, and froze all pending regulations from his predecessor with a 90-day ban on new proposals. Christie created the Group to “review all pending and proposed rules and regulations to assess their effects on New Jersey’s economy and to determine whether their burdens on business and workers outweigh their intended benefits.”
Representative Quotes
- "This era in which an ideological administration tries to accomplish through the regulatory state what it didn't have the votes to accomplish in the duly elected Congress must end."
- “The next president should sign an executive order on the first day freezing any new regulations, as we begin to take a look back at the mountains of regulations that were put in by this last administration.”
Education
Christie is committed to providing everyone with a high quality education in addition to attempting to make a higher education more accessible. Christie proposes multiple reforms that target current issues facing the U.S.’s education system such as charter school access, failing school districts, poorly performing teachers, and lack of college readiness. Christie does not only propose plans to lower the cost of colleges, but also proposes ideas that target student loan debt and alternative educational methods. Christie’s current platform on education reflects the actions he has taken as governor and illustrates his belief that New Jersey should serve as a model for the rest of the nation.
The President of the AFT (American Federation of Teachers) has come out in opposition of Chris Christie’s views regarding the teachers unions. She claimed him to be unnecessarily aggressive towards an organization of mainly women dedicated to the advancement of children’s knowledge. Democratic candidates promising free tuition such as Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders disagree with Christie’s view that the cost of higher education should be held personally accountable. They have countered his arguments by proposing national plans to provide free tuition and arguing the benefits of a free higher education.
Policy Proposals
Relevant History
Representative Quotes
The President of the AFT (American Federation of Teachers) has come out in opposition of Chris Christie’s views regarding the teachers unions. She claimed him to be unnecessarily aggressive towards an organization of mainly women dedicated to the advancement of children’s knowledge. Democratic candidates promising free tuition such as Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders disagree with Christie’s view that the cost of higher education should be held personally accountable. They have countered his arguments by proposing national plans to provide free tuition and arguing the benefits of a free higher education.
Policy Proposals
- Give taxpayers the option to donate to a Student Debt Reduction Organization (SDRO) in exchange for a tax credit. The SDRO would then be able to award grants towards a student’s debt, in exchange for them completing some form of community service.
- Reform the U.S.’s system of education in a similar manner to how he reformed New Jersey. He will accomplish this through the incorporation of a national version of New Jersey’s PLAN program which he signed in to law, a national Inter-District School Choice Program, a national TEACH Act, and various measures to incorporate college readiness and charter schools on a larger scale.
Relevant History
- Signed into law the New Jersey PLAN program, which allows students to earn credit towards their degrees through alternative experience outside of high school or college.
- Increased the overall number of charter schools in New Jersey to 87, overseeing the opening of 35 more charter schools since he took office, while closing 17 poor performing ones.
- Signed New Jersey’s Inter-District School Choice Program into law in 2010, allowing students from struggling school districts attend schools outside their district without any extra cost to their parents.
- Oversaw the initial pilot of the College Readiness Now Program, which provided classes to lower income students in order to properly prepare these students for college. Nineteen community colleges participated with over 60 high schools across the state.
- Signed the Teacher Effectiveness and Accountability for the Children of New Jersey (TEACHNJ) Act, which now rewards or fires teachers depending on the performance of their classes.
- Initially signed New Jersey onto the Common Core Initiative, but then got rid of it due to the disapproval of parents as well as local educators.
Representative Quotes
- “The national teachers union--because they're not for education of our children. They're for greater membership, greater benefits, and greater pay for their members. And they are the single most destructive force in public education in America. I have been saying that since 2009. I have got the scars to show it. But I'm never going to stop saying it, because they never change their stripes.”
- “Our public education system is failing in far too many parts of our state--in our cities, in our suburbs and in the rural parts of our state. Our children deserve better.”
Taxes and Economic Policy
Chris Christie has said that as president, his economic goal is to lower the amount that the average American pays in taxes while promoting growth. He will begin a process of deregulation, and has proposed that any new regulation of business must be implemented under the principle that the benefits outweigh the cost. He has proposed working closely with Canada and Mexico to increase the competitiveness of our three countries in the energy market, and he plans to encourage private sector innovation as well as giving people more incentives to work (discussed below). His position on the economy is one of deregulation and incentivizing companies through tax credits to promote growth.
As Christie continues to emphasize his successes in turning the New Jersey economy around, opponents on both sides are quick to point out that his approach may work in a small state, but a large nation is an entirely different animal. Although Christie boasts of his successes as a bipartisan governor, New Jersey Democratic Speaker Sheila Oliver described Christie’s first few years as governor: "Governing by executive order and keeping plans secret until the last minute is not bipartisanship." Interestingly, Christie has often criticized President Obama’s use of executive orders. Marco Rubio attacked Christie for his "liberal" policies, such as tax incresaes and the expansion of Medicare. He said, “One high tax, Common Core, liberal energy loving, Obamacare Medicaid expanding president is enough.” Holly Shulman, Press Secretary for the Democratic National Committee, criticized Christie's cutting taxes for the very wealthy and large corporations, arguing that he has no real plan with regards to what will happen to the middle class under his policy. Democratic opponents group Christie under their attacks that Republicans must abandon their tax breaks and benefits for corporations, and, as Clinton says, “...learn from history that so-called ‘trickle-down economics’ do not work.”
Policy Proposals
Relevant History
Representative Quotes
As Christie continues to emphasize his successes in turning the New Jersey economy around, opponents on both sides are quick to point out that his approach may work in a small state, but a large nation is an entirely different animal. Although Christie boasts of his successes as a bipartisan governor, New Jersey Democratic Speaker Sheila Oliver described Christie’s first few years as governor: "Governing by executive order and keeping plans secret until the last minute is not bipartisanship." Interestingly, Christie has often criticized President Obama’s use of executive orders. Marco Rubio attacked Christie for his "liberal" policies, such as tax incresaes and the expansion of Medicare. He said, “One high tax, Common Core, liberal energy loving, Obamacare Medicaid expanding president is enough.” Holly Shulman, Press Secretary for the Democratic National Committee, criticized Christie's cutting taxes for the very wealthy and large corporations, arguing that he has no real plan with regards to what will happen to the middle class under his policy. Democratic opponents group Christie under their attacks that Republicans must abandon their tax breaks and benefits for corporations, and, as Clinton says, “...learn from history that so-called ‘trickle-down economics’ do not work.”
Policy Proposals
- Lower the corporate tax rate to 25%, as he believes it will spur growth through competitive investment.
- Impose a “Regulatory Zero” rule: for each new rule that is imposed, one of equal cost must be sunsetted or removed. He believes also that any new regulatory change proposed must have benefits that outweigh the costs.
- Eliminate the payroll tax (Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment taxes) for people older than age 62 and for those newly entering the workforce under age 25. He believes this will encourage people nearing retirement to continue working “should they want to” and that it will make things easier for those just entering the workforce.
- Repeal the Affordable Care Act's 30-Hour Workweek mandate (which categorizes 30 hour workweeks as full-time jobs, subjecting employers to the ACA's requirements), which he argues has been a contributor to the massive shift from full time to part time employment.
- Make the Research and Experimentation tax credit, a credit for innovating companies, permanent.
Relevant History
- Erased an estimated $11 million budget deficit almost entirely through spending cuts in the state of New Jersey, working closely with Democrats in the legislature. This was in part accomplished after declaring that New Jersey was in a state of fiscal emergency.
- Vetoed a tax increase on millionaires and eliminated a 15% surcharge on corporations, instead backing tax credits for the working poor.
Representative Quotes
- “Higher taxes is the road to ruin. We must and we will shrink our government, and that means making some tough choices, tightening our belts.”
- “Hillary is coming for your wallet.”
- "The socialist says they’re going to pay for everything and give you everything for free, except they don’t tell you they’re going to raise your taxes to 90 percent to do it.”
- "We must target the tax code, because today it is targeting us...The country needs comprehensive tax reform now.”
Immigration
Chris Christie wants to secure our border and disagrees with what Obama is doing on immigration, because he believes the executive orders extending deferred action (not deporting) is amnesty. Christie believes in increasing the technology used for immigration so we better protect the border and track immigrants. He wants to ensure that illegal immigrants stay out and wants to end safe havens like employers who hire illegal immigrants and stopping sanctuary towns that openly defy laws and take in illegal immigrants along the border.
Policy Proposals
Relevant History
Representative Quotes
Policy Proposals
- Build a wall along the Mexican border where necessary, based on how many immigrants have been coming through certain areas.
- Increase manpower around border, and use drones for surveillance of border activity such as drug and human smuggler hideouts.
- Increase fines for employers who hire undocumented immigrants.
- Create a tracking system to keep better track of immigrants who overstay their visas.
- Stop funding for sanctuary cities that openly defy laws and take in undocumented immigrants from Mexico.
- End President Obama’s “amnesty” executive orders that extend deferred action for some undocumented immigrants.
Relevant History
- Supported giving immigrants living in New Jersey should get the in-state college tuition rates.
- Opposed allowing people who could not prove that they are in the country legally to get a driver’s license.
- Supported "Kate’s Law,” which would establish a mandatory minimum of 5 years in jail for anyone who is deported and tries to illegally come back into America again.
Representative Quotes
- “There are not enough law enforcement officers, local, state and federal combined to forcibly deport 11 to 12 million people. This is like building a 2,000-mile wall across the border that Mexico is going to pay for. It sounds really good but the question is how? I think the way to do this is E-Verify. If folks knew they weren't going to get jobs, they would not come.”
- “What I favor is fixing a broken system, and the fact is that everybody knows the system is broken. And what Congress needs to do is get to work, working with each other and the president to fix a broken system that's not serving our economy well, not serving our country well.”
Health Care and Social Security
Christie has had a long involvement in health care due to his position as governor of New Jersey; however, Christie’s opinions on health care for the states and health care for the nation differ. Although he expanded Medicaid in his state, he does not believe in a national expansion of the program, as he believes in less central government control. Because of this he sees the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as a failure and plans to reform the ACA if he is elected. In addition he strongly feels that veterans need increased access to healthcare. Contrary to his plans for Medicaid and Medicare, Christie believes in cutting benefits from Social Security as the only way to protect its longevity.
An advertisement funded by a Rubio Super PAC criticizes Christie for being too liberal. The ad presents the idea that that Christie’s endorsement of the expansion of Medicaid in New Jersey shows that he supports the ACA and therefore contradicts his supposed current disapproval of the program. At the end of the ad, the narrator describes Christie as a “high tax, Common Core, liberal energy loving, Obamacare Medicaid expanding president."
Policy Proposals
Relevant History
Representative Quotes
An advertisement funded by a Rubio Super PAC criticizes Christie for being too liberal. The ad presents the idea that that Christie’s endorsement of the expansion of Medicaid in New Jersey shows that he supports the ACA and therefore contradicts his supposed current disapproval of the program. At the end of the ad, the narrator describes Christie as a “high tax, Common Core, liberal energy loving, Obamacare Medicaid expanding president."
Policy Proposals
- Allow veterans to be able to receive health care from any medical institution.
- “Hire a qualified professional who has run a major healthcare system in this country to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs.”
- Establish a 24/7 hotline that supplies support for veterans with mental health issues, similar to the one that he set up in New Jersey.
- Loosen "one-size-fits-all" approach to Medicaid by devolving power to the states.
- Cut social security benefits and raise the retirement age.
Relevant History
- Opted to accept the expansion of Medicaid for his state under the ACA.
- Vetoed 5 Planned Parenthood bills that would have supplied funding to the organization from taxpayers money.
- Established a 24/7 mental health support hotline for veterans in New Jersey.
Representative Quotes
- “I’m pro-life and it didn’t bog me down!”
- Q: "Do you think Obamacare is doomed? Do you think the Republican Party has an obligation to make it work at this point? "
- Christie: "I think Obamacare was a mistake. And I've said that right from the beginning. I think it's a failed policy.
When I get in, we will go to a state-based solution that will let the people choose what they want to do with their health care.”
- Christie: "I think Obamacare was a mistake. And I've said that right from the beginning. I think it's a failed policy.
Poverty and Social Welfare Programs
Christie’s policies on this issue are in line with his Republican philosophy. He is calling for a more straightforward tax system that will impose equal taxes on everyone, and eliminate the large loopholes in the tax code that allow people to receive large deductions and tax breaks. In addition, he would like to drop the corporate tax rate to something closer to 25%, as well as remove payroll taxes for those over 62 or under 25. In return, he wants to cut out federal policies that he believes encourage people to not work (such as food stamps or housing assistance) in order to force the maximum amount of citizens to participate in the workforce. He also calls for Social Security reform that would decrease funding and make the benefits accessible only to those who “truly need” the money after retirement.
Similar to the opposition to most welfare cutting proposals, Christie is being criticized for generalizing welfare recipients as those who don’t try hard. An article published in the Huffington Post comments on this, saying that Christie is allowing the few people abusing welfare to represent the people who truly need welfare assistance. It says that cutting these people’s benefits would take away their entire livelihood, ruining their chances of a better future.
Policy Proposals
Relevant History
Representative Quotes
Similar to the opposition to most welfare cutting proposals, Christie is being criticized for generalizing welfare recipients as those who don’t try hard. An article published in the Huffington Post comments on this, saying that Christie is allowing the few people abusing welfare to represent the people who truly need welfare assistance. It says that cutting these people’s benefits would take away their entire livelihood, ruining their chances of a better future.
Policy Proposals
- Reduce Social Security benefits for retired seniors who make $80,000+ per year, and eliminate benefits for those that make $200,00+ per year.
- Raise the retirement age to 69, as well as the Medicare eligibility age to 67. All of these changes would affect future generations, and not today’s elderly.
Relevant History
- Christie has spoken often about the need to reduce welfare type programs, and to reduce spending in general.
- As Governor of New Jersey, Christie unsuccessfully tried to cut welfare funding by $15 /month for welfare recipients in New Jersey in 2011, but his push was ultimately unsuccessful.
Representative Quotes
- “Governor Christie will reform the tax code by creating a flatter, fairer and simpler individual income tax system and keep returns simple by reducing deductions and giveaways.”
- “This era in which the Obama administration tries to accomplish its ideological goals through the regulatory state must end.”
- “The critical measure of success for any growth plan is people going to work at jobs worth doing. Today, though, there are too many federal policies which discourage work.”