Garden State Patriot

Last week U.S. Prosecutor Chris Christie – as had been much expected – threw his hat into the ring for the New Jersey Governorship. Christie most assuredly has an admirable record fighting corruption in the state, but that does not in and of itself lend him the credentials to be Governor.

Understanding the state’s problems and having real solutions to those problems is what really matters. But Christie’s record on the issues is mostly unknown. As my fellow blogger Michael Illions has pointed out on Conservatives with Attitude! the only things we do know about him are not too encouraging for conservatives.

Is he still Pro-Choice and Anti-2nd Amendment like he was in the 90’s when he ran, and lost, for the State Assembly.

Does he really believe that illegal immigration is not really illegal or a crime, and just a paper work mishap, like he suggested at a press conference?

Does he really believe, like Jon Corzine does, that the answer to ‘Big Government’ is that there are to many towns/municipalities in New Jersey, again like he suggested at a press conference?

In fact, Christie’s comments about illegal immigration caught the attention – and wrath – of Lou Dobbs which led to this segment on his TV show:

Ouch!

Sorry, as I said it’s not enough just to have a strong prosecutorial record. Christie now needs to step forward and find a way to explain his comments on illegal immigration. And quite soon, he also needs to come forward and clearly present his views on the many vital issues facing the state.

While I’m on the subject of Christie’s candidacy, a while back I posted here at GSP that the media and some bloggers were already attemping to anoint him the Republican nominee (this, of course, even before he entered the race). Since Christie announced his intention this is exactly what we have been subject to.

- We have article like this one from the Courier Post Online: Christie’s entry into the race is good for voters Based on what?

- Or this from NJ.com: “For the GOP, the news is welcome.” Really? Who did they speak to in the GOP? Did they do a poll?

- An article at centraljersey.com entitled, Christie for governor sounds right for voters, gives us this little gem as if they speak for voters (let alone Republican voters): 

Things are looking up for New Jersey, believe it or not. Christie’s candidacy has long been assumed, and he has been viewed for years as the Republicans’ best chance to unseat Gov. Jon S. Corzine. That he is, and the GOP should rally around him, beginning right now.

- Even outfits like redstate.com knee-jerkingly tried to spur their ‘army’ on to support him, seemingly ignorant of Christie’s stance on the above-mentioned issues as well as the credentials of a candidate like Steve Lonegan.

- Heck, even radio talker Steve Malzberg, who is as conservative as they come, has thrown his support to Christie while not even having the other candidates, Steve Lonegan and Richard Merkt, grace his airwaves.

Frankly, as a voter who is concerned about issues I’m tired of this celebrity-like mentality we have vis-a-vis our political candidates. Whether or not Christie is the best person for this job, voters deserve a serious candidate. They should listen carefully to what they say and what their solutions are. They should make judgments about their character and leadership abilities. They shouldn’t be making their choice based on name recognition, how they look on camera, or who Internet bloggers and ‘journalists’ say is their ‘best bet’ to win.