Christie cheered by many — ignored by Fox — for Sandy speech

By David Chmiel/NJ.com 
on January 03, 2013 at 5:58 AM, updated January 03, 2013 at 7:14 AM

Governor Chris Christie’s passionate and controlled speech Wednesday condemning the “callous indifference” of John Boehner and the Republican-controlled House for stalling the vote on the $60.4 billion Sandy-relief bill, generated action and buzz Wednesday. The fallout includes news, first reportedin The Star-Ledger, that the House will vote on the bill in two pieces. All over New Jersey, local legislators expressed their outrage over the lack of action in the house. But Christie’s speech generated headlines and news coverage for his criticism of his own party — except on Fox News, where there was precious little coverage. In one story, the Governor got a grudging mention. In another, on whether Boehner will retain his job as Speaker today, it was mentioned that Christie “held a press conference.”

Ed Murray/The Star-Ledger

Opinion: Sandy bill and Christie

• A New York Post editorial takes exception with the “pork” in the Sandy-aid bill.
• In The Washington Post, blogger Greg Sargent reviews Christie’s speech — and the records of some Republicans who have not always supported help in times of disaster.

Goldstein leaving Garden State Equality

Matt Friedman of The Star-Ledger reports that Steven Goldstein, the founder and chairman of Garden State Equality, is leaving the group he founded to become Associate Chancellor for External Relations at Rutgers-Newark. Goldstein founded Garden State Equality in 2004 to fight for equality for the lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender community.

Sweeney, Codey meet to discuss run for governor

Jarrett Renshaw, Star-Ledger Statehouse reporter, writes that a pair of bitter Democratic rivals, Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester) and State Senator Dick Codey (D-Essex & Morris), met to discuss who might be runningagainst Christie this year.

President signs budget plan

With a deal to avoid the “fiscal cliff” in place, President Barack Obama took Air Force One back to Hawaii to finish his family vacation. Once he arrived, he signed the deal that avoids across-the-board deep budget cuts and severe tax hikes that could have made it even more difficult for an economic recovery. Thestock market soared with news of the deal.

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