New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie appeared alongside Republican candidate for governor Tom Foley in Stamford today.
The two shook hands and made the rounds at Curley's Diner just off Main Street in Stamford on Tuesday afternoon. The New Jersey governor focused on Foley's business credentials ahead of a fundraiser across the street, where he was due to appear with longtime baseball manager Bobby Valentine.
Christie, who serves as chairman of the Republican Governors Association, is tasked with promoting Republican candidates for governor in predominantly left-leaning states. Christie said he's in a unique position to help Foley in his second bid for the governor's office.
"The strategy is to talk more about jobs and more about the economy, more about lower taxes and more about opportunity, and that's the strategy Tom Foley's been following since the day he got into this race," Christie said. "He doesn't need to change. Understand, I'm from New Jersey. I know what it's like to run in a state like this."
Some union groups opposed the visit, alleging that Foley's decision to align with Christie is bad for the state. Gun control advocates also rallied across the street in opposition to Foley and Christie's stances on the issue.
It's Christie's second trip to the state in recent months. In July, he attended a fundraiser in Greenwich alongside Foley. Christie said he plans to return for additional events with Foley prior to the race.
"Tom Foley is a Republican that I support," Christie said.
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Christie, who is rumored to be a potential 2016 presidential candidate, said the governor races in Illinois and Connecticut are the closest in the country.
Foley will also receive the support of Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who plans to attend a private reception at a home in West Hartford on Oct. 19.
Foley and Christie pic.twitter.com/B1JxYLnHYz — Max Reiss (@MaxReiss) September 23, 2014
