Politics

Chris Christie’s love-hate relationship with NJ Senate president

Alex Pappas Political Reporter
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New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is a “mean old bastard,” a “bully,” and a “punk.”

So says Democratic state Senate President Stephen Sweeney, who Christie praised just last week for working across the aisle to reach a deal on pension reform legislation.

“You know who he reminds me of?” Sweeney said of Christie, a Republican, according to The Star Ledger. “Mr. Potter from ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ The mean old bastard who screws everybody.”

Sweeney made the comments after seeing Christie’s line-item veto of Democrat proposals in the state budget.

“I wanted to punch him in his head,” Sweeney reportedly said.

It’s a change from just several days ago, when Christie and Sweeney — along with Democratic House Speaker Sheila Oliver — worked together to get legislation passed reforming the state’s pension system. The bill, among other changes, increases the amount employees have to contribute to their pensions.

After signing the bill, Christie called Sweeney both “a partner” and “a friend.”

The Courier-News summed up the deal: “The triumphant moment allowed Christie to cast himself more as right-center politician willing to work with Democrats and it brought comparisons to former President Ronald Reagan.”