Chris Christie is the 55th governor of New Jersey, and is currently tied with Jeb Bush at 4.2% in national polls. On June 30, 2015, Christie announced his candidacy for the 2016 Republican nominee for president, claiming to “Tell It As It Is.” Similarly, along with Bush, Christie is one of the Republican establishment’s favorite candidates. His only scandal includes his potential involvement with the closing of the George Washington Bridge that led to massive traffic back-ups on the streets for five days and was said to be a “political retribution against Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich (D),” who didn’t support Christie in the 2013 gubernatorial election.

Keep on reading for a quick overview of his ideas and beliefs:

Background: Christie was born in Newark, New Jersey on September 6, 1962 to Sondra A. and Wilbur James Christie. He attended Livingston High School, where he was class president. At the age of 15, he volunteered for Tom Kean in the gubernatorial election. This sparked his interest in politics, and Christie went on to graduate from the University of Delaware with a BA in political science. He was elected county legislator in Morris county in 1995, and in 2009, won the New Jersey gubernatorial election against incumbent Jon Corzine.

Foreign Policy:

• Wants to “push Russia out of Middle East” to establish US dominance
• Refuses to cooperate with Cuba until it stops harboring fugitives
• Supports arming Emiratis, Jordanians, & others before sending US troops
• Does not believe in no mass deporting, but would like to secure border with wall & electronics

The Economy:

• Believes that the Fed should stop maintaining low interest rates
• Wants to cut taxes and reduce spending while creating new jobs
• Supports getting rid of deductions except charitable & mortgage deduction
• Wants to increase the retirement age because people are living longer

Domestic Issues:

• Opposes gun laws; focus on mental health instead
• Against nationalization of health care system
• Wants treatment, not jail time, for drug addicts

Social Issues:

• Believes that Black Lives Matter encourages cop killing
• Disagrees with Supreme Court, but says gay marriage is now law of land
• Supports defunding Planned Parenthood
• Thinks that a focus on income inequality drives America toward mediocrity

Quotes:

“And the greatest lesson that mom ever taught me though was this one. She told me there would be times in your life when you have to choose between being loved and being respected. Now she said to always pick being respected.”

“I believe we have become paralyzed, paralyzed by our desire to be loved.”

“Insisting that we must tax and take and demonize those who have already achieved the American Dream. That may turn out to be a good re-election strategy for President Obama, but is a demoralizing message for America.”

“If we make the tough decisions now, we will be one year ahead of 80 percent of the states in the race to economic growth. If we fail to act, we will fall even further behind… by going first, we can become first.”

Muppet he most resembles: Fozzie Bear. Christie is actually a funny guy, so Fozzie the Comedian is a good fit for him. But like all comedians, he really is a hit-or-miss with people.

Sources: ontheissues.org and brainyquote.com