TRENTON — Despite more than a foot of snow on the ground in some parts of the state, the movers and shakers of New Jersey's business and political worlds will share a chartered Amtrak train headed to the nation's capital today. The train, part of an annual tradition hosted by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled to...
On the 2008 walk to Washington, then-Gov. Jon Corzine talks to former Gov. Brendan Byrne.TRENTON — Despite more than a foot of snow on the ground in some parts of the state, the movers and shakers of New Jersey's business and political worlds will share a chartered Amtrak train headed to the nation's capital today.
The train, part of an annual tradition hosted by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled to leave Newark at 11:35 a.m. It will stop in Trenton before continuing to Washington, D.C.
The train ride is called the "Walk to Washington" because participants walk from car to car glad-handing with various politicians, lobbyists and business owners.
The annual train ride seems to be more popular this year than last. There are 11 cars, instead of nine, with 700 people, up from 500, according to chamber spokesman Scott Goldstein.
Gov. Chris Christie, who skipped the event last year, will deliver the keynote address tonight at 7 p.m. at a dinner honoring the state's congressional delegation. Christie snubbed the trip last year over a feud with the then-Chamber of Commerce head.
The train ride has been lauded as an important way to connect lawmakers with the business community, but also harshly criticized as a symbol of influence peddling in state government.
By Ginger Gibson and Chris Megerian/Statehouse Bureau Staff
Check back in with nj.com/politics for updates from the train, and follow Star-Ledger reporter Ginger Gibson as she sends Twitter updates from the train.
Previous coverage:
• Today in Trenton: 'Walk to Washington' day arrives
• Poll: Is 'Walk to Washington' politics gone wild?
• N.J. Gov. Chris Christie will be featured speaker at Chamber of Commerce 'Walk to Washington'
• Editorial: Boycotting N.J. Chamber of Commerce's "Walk to Washington":Gov. Chris Christie plays the party pooper
• Christie sits out annual Chamber of Commerce train ride, snubs influential lobbying groups
• GOP hopefuls rail against Chamber of Commerce railroad trip