Christie's statements have been subjected to a fact check by the New York Times and found to be, well, lies.
New Jersey’s public-sector unions routinely pressure the State Legislature to give them what they fail to win in contract talks. Most government workers pay nothing for health insurance. Concessions by school employees would have prevented any cuts in school programs last year.
Statements like those are at the core of Gov. Chris Christie’s campaign to cut state spending by getting tougher on unions. They are not, however, accurate.
Lying hasn't been held against Republicans much. That may change as the situation in Wisconsin creates a firestorm of resentment. Certainly the Times exposé will damage the New Jersey governor's reputation as a boy scout. The Times has a packet of proof that the guy's been doing a lot of lying over the years.
Mr. Christie, a Republican who took office in January 2010, would hardly be the first politician to indulge in hyperbole or gloss over facts. But his misstatements, exaggerations and carefully constructed claims belie the national image he has built as a blunt talker who gives straight answers to hard questions, especially about budgets and labor relations. Candor is central to Mr. Christie’s appeal, and a review of his public statements over the past year shows some of them do not hold up to scrutiny.
