TRENTON — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is continuing his war of words with leaders of the state's largest teacher's union. In an interview that aired tonight, the governor told ABC's "World News" host Diane Sawyer that the state's teachers are "wonderful public servants that care deeply." But he described New Jersey Education Association officials as a "group of...
Gov. Chris Christie addresses questions from the media at a Monday press conference.TRENTON — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is continuing his war of words with leaders of the state's largest teacher's union.
In an interview that aired tonight, the governor told ABC's "World News" host Diane Sawyer that the state's teachers are "wonderful public servants that care deeply."
But he described New Jersey Education Association officials as a "group of political thugs."
Christie and the NJEA have had a contentious relationship since he took office last year. He claims it has stood in the way of education improvements he wants to implement, allegations the NJEA vehemently denies.
NJEA President Barbara Keshishian says Christie's "name-calling" is an attempt to duck responsibility for sharply cutting state education funding.
The Christie interview was conducted earlier today at the Lincoln Elementary School in Kearny.
Previous coverage:
• Teachers plan protest of Gov. Christie before interview with Diane Sawyer in Kearny
• NJEA spent nearly $7M on advertising last year, report says
• NJEA argues teacher evaluation based on student test scores not practical
• Complete Star-Ledger coverage of the continuing dispute between N.J. Gov. Chris Christie, NJEA