PHILADELPHIA — Gov. Chris Christie received the prestigious Lincoln Award from the Union League of Philadelphia today, saying there is "no greater honor that a Republican can get." Previous award recipients have included U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and Gen. David Petraeus, who commands American forces in Afghanistan. Christie, in a nearly 40-minute speech, emphasized the three major...
Gov. Chris Christie speaks at a town hall meeting in this January file photo.PHILADELPHIA — Gov. Chris Christie received the prestigious Lincoln Award from the Union League of Philadelphia today, saying there is "no greater honor that a Republican can get."
Previous award recipients have included U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and Gen. David Petraeus, who commands American forces in Afghanistan.
Christie, in a nearly 40-minute speech, emphasized the three major priorities from his State of the State speech last month: reigning in government spending, curtailing public employee benefits and reforming education.
Christie told the Republican crowd that the party's leaders need to "put up or shut up."
"If we stand firmly and resolutely for our principles, we will win — because we are right," he said.
About 460 people gathered for a ceremonial lunch today, sitting around round tables in an ornate banquet hall in the Union League's downtown building. A giant chandelier hung from the ceiling and flags ringed the walls.
Christie said Lincoln was "in my view, our greatest president."