CHERRY HILL — Gov. Chris Christie on Wednesday assailed Democrats and warned the state’s business community that “the animals are at the gate” and are prepared to pounce on their wallets.
Boasting economic gains in the state under his administration, the Republican governor issued a stark warning for complacent residents he says will get “fleeced” by Democratic lawmakers he bemoaned only answer to public sector unions.
In a full-throttled verbal assault against his political rivals, Christie said higher taxes and drastic cuts to areas of the state’s budget that will negatively affect everyone in the state are on the horizon unless the business community and Garden State residents wake up and stay alert.
Gov. Chris Christie made headlines for the facial expressions he made standing behind Donald Trump. Now, it’s Mary Pat Christie.
“I am giving you a warning today,” Christie told about 200 people at the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey luncheon.
“You and I together have brought this state back to economic prosperity, but if we take our eye off the ball for one second they are going to fleece us again,” he said. “I’m telling ya, the animals are at the gate and their waiting to get your money and I’m the only one left at the gate saying no.”
New Jersey’s economy has perked up over the past year and a half, but for a long time lagged behind private sector job gains made in most states.
Christie accused members of the Democratic-controlled Legislature being “bought and paid for” by public sector unions.
“They are willing to sell their souls and pick your pocket,” Christie declared.
Specifically, he criticized Democrats for a proposed constitutional amendment requiring the state contribute each year to the pension plan for government workers.
He went on to joke that Democrats find new and inventive ways to tax people.
“You’ve got to wonder about the ingenuity of Democrats,” Christie said. “Like, you can’t make this crap up — you just can’t.”
Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or on Facebook. Follow NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/04/christie_blasts_nj_democrats_warns_of_the_animals.html