2013 NJ Gubernatorial Election

During his first term, Christie made sure to use the extensive powers of the NJ Governorship to achieve his aims. In his 2009 Budget he leaned heavilly into spending cuts.

Such cuts included layoffs for 1,300 State workers,  $820 Million Cut to school funding, and a $3 Billion Reduction in scheduled pension payments, in addition to establishing a $350 deductable for medicaid patients.

Christie also eschewed Tax and spending increases, Using the bully pulpit to stop local tax increases in adition to rurning down multiple public transportation projects.

However, the governor did have some accomplishments, such as requiring public employees to pay more for their health insurance and Pensions, in exchange for higher payments to make up for short contributions, in addition to expanding medicaid

Irregardless, the Marquee events of his first term was his response to superstorm sandy, wherein he sided with President Obama and Criticized the Republicans in congress for not supplying aid fast enough.

His response to Sandy, his conservatism on spending and taxes, his moderation on certain other issues such as a focus on treatment for addiction rather than incarceration, & support from major Dems such as Union City Mayor Brian Stack led him to win 60% to 40% over Barbara Buono

However, due to not getting universal support from Dems, specifically the Mayor of Fort Lee Mark Sokolich, Christie, though not directly implicated in the investigation, is alleged to have had 2/3 lanes of the Washington Bridge closed, causing major traffic jams for days