Conservative talk radio host advised Walker campaign to watch videos of Christie verbally sparring with opponents
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (left) cracks a smile as he is handed the microphone from Ohio gubernatorial candidate John Kasich to answer a direct question as to when Christie will run for President of the United States during a live webcast Q&A session at a campaign stop for Kasich just outside Cincinnati.WAUKESHA, Wisconsin — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is back on the road today, kicking off his third week of travel by stumping for Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Walker.
Christie and First Lady Mary Pat joined Walker for a press conference this morning in Waukesha, about 25 minutes west of Milwaukee. Later, they plan to attend two fundraisers for him before swinging by his campaign office.
Between events, Christie had an interview with local conservative talk radio host Charlie Sykes, who praised him for taking on public employee unions in New Jersey and seeking to rein in pension and health benefit costs.
“People need to understand that governors need to stand up and say enough on taxing and enough on spending,” said Christie, who recounted his battles with Democrats who control the New Jersey Legislature and the leadership of the state’s largest teachers union, who he called a “privileged class.”
Sykes said he advised the Walker campaign to watch YouTube videos of Christie verbally sparring with reporters and opponents.
Christie also told Sykes that if the Green Bay Packers beat the Jets and Giants this season, he’ll come back on his show for a “mea culpa.”
Christie, whose tough talk against public workers unions has made him a favorite of conservative political pundits, is in high demand to stump and raise money for Republican candidates across the country for governor and Congress.
So far, he’s made stops in California, Ohio and New Mexico. Later today, he travels to Iowa for Terry Branstad — a stop that has increased speculation about a possible presidential or vice-presidential bid in 2012, despite Christie repeatedly saying he’s not interested in running.
Previous coverage:
• Powerful lobbyist who toured Ohio with Gov. Christie says trip was personal, not professional
• Gov. Christie makes stop in Washington, D.C. to speak with House Republicans
• Gov. Christie makes campaign stop in Ohio, denies presidential aspirations
• Gov. Chris Christie tells Ohio crowd he will not run for president