FOR RELEASE: July 13, 2010

CONTACT: Rob Angelo (609) 392-3367

Christie’s connections to Slush Fund raise more questions, require answers

Group flaunting ability to avoid pay to play limits using Governor as key fundraising draw

TRENTON –  Reacting to the latest reports of Chris Christie′s direct connections to a slush fund that is flaunting pay to play laws State Party Chairman John Wisniewski offered this response:

“If hypocrisy were a crime, Christie would be doing time,” said Wisniewski. “It’s clear that transparency is nothing more than a talking point to this Governor and it’s time for him to come clean on his associations with this slush fund.”

According to the Star Ledger, the group Reform Jersey Now is soliciting donations that avoid state fundraising limits and is openly telling contributors they can circumvent rules designed to clean up state campaigns.  Christis has been the only annouced “special guest” for two $25,000 per person fundraisers for the group Reform Jersey Now.

Wisniewski has previously called for the release of all donors and activities of Reform Jersey Now, which has functioned as nothing more than a front for avoiding New Jersey pay to play laws. The Chairman once again pointed to the growing list of connections between the group, the Governor and his inner circle:

1. Governor Christie has been a keynote speaker and special guest at both events Reform Jersey Now has held including a $25,000 per person fundraiser.
2. Governor Christie is scheduled as the special guest at an upcoming $25,000 per person fundraiser.
3. Christie′s top political advisor is on the ′advisory board′
4. Their treasurer, a Governor′s appointee to the Turnpike Authority, is the campaign treasurer for Chris Christie, Senate Minority Leader Kean, and Assembly Minority Leader DeCroce amongst others.
5. The address and phone number listed on their website are the same as the top Republican fundraising firm in the state which works for the Republican State Committee, the Senate Republican Majority and the Assembly Republican Majority
6. The chief strategist for the Christie / Guadagno campaign is their spokesperson

“This slush fund enables Christie’s group to exceed traditional contribution limits and avoid reporting requirements, enabling pay to play outside the public light,” said Wisniewski. “Their unwillingness to release information only raises more questions about who is really funding their efforts and what they stand to gain from that support. It’s the latest example of Christie transparency, where he can see everything and the public sees nothing. The Governor previously said a “new era of transparency is upon us.” It’s time for Republicans to join Democrats in holding the Governor to the promises he has made.”

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