SALT LAKE CITY — He participated in a landmark forum between American and Chinese governors. He attended three meetings at the National Governors Association annual summer conference. But Gov. Chris Christie, usually a talkative political rock star at events that draw national attention, was uncharacteristically quiet Friday. He provided no input during panel discussions. He refused to take questions...
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SALT LAKE CITY — He participated in a landmark forum between American and Chinese governors. He attended three meetings at the National Governors Association annual summer conference.
But Gov. Chris Christie, usually a talkative political rock star at events that draw national attention, was uncharacteristically quiet Friday.
He provided no input during panel discussions. He refused to take questions from the national media, brushing past reporters and saying: "No, I’m not taking any press today, thanks."
It was Christie’s first public appearance since he held a Trenton news conference to announce he’d cut $900 million from the state budget through line-item vetoes and then left for a two-week family vacation.
While he was away, Democrats tried unsuccessfully to override most of his vetoes and his one-time ally, Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester), delivered an angry and profane tirade blasting the governor and his reductions.
While the governor’s spokespeople have responded to what happened in New Jersey while he was away, Christie has not. He still hasn’t.
Friday, Christie wouldn’t take questions, including some on the nation’s debt limit or about his discussions with American or Chinese governors. "I’ll tell the people of New Jersey when I get back to New Jersey," he said. Christie is scheduled return to the state on Monday.
The Republican governor arrived at the conference Thursday along with First Lady Mary Pat and their four children. The family attended a screening of the newest "Harry Potter" movie that was arranged for governors attending the conference.
The stop in Utah was third leg of his out-of-state trip. He went to Idaho on July 5, where he spoke at a conference of media executives. He then spent two weeks at an "undisclosed location" with him family before arriving in Utah.
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire, who is chair of the National Governors Association, said this weekend’s meeting will focus on allowing governors to share ideas about improving their states.
"We have not yet recovered in full and we still have to make some very tough choices when investing in our futures," Gregoire, a Democrat, said.
The conference also allowed an opportunity for governors to discuss issues being debated in Washington, D.C., including talks over raising the nation’s debt limit. Gregoire said that for every dollar the federal government cuts in spending, about one-third of it affects the local governments.
"We can ill afford the debate that is going on in Washington, D.C.," she said. "We are in a fragile state of recovery."
NGA Vice Chair Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman said residents are prepared to adjust to cuts in spending, adding that farmers in Nebraska are open to cuts in agriculture subsidies if they’re done fairly.
"We need the president to lead," Heineman, a Republican, said. "America can not default on it’s obligations."
This year’s National Governors Association meeting included a group of four Chinese provincial governors.
"We have the common aspiration that we can use this opportunity to work together for the common goal of progress," said Zhejiang provincial Party secretary Zhao Hongzhu through a translator. "It’s about enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples and promoting dialogue between cultures."