Christie trying out his influence on a Middle East trip (mostly Israel).

[no_hypocrisy]

Christie gives diplomacy a test run with trade talks on Middle East trip

-snip-

Governor Christie and his family travel to the Middle East this week, a trip funded by a business advocacy group with strong ties to his administration and a Jewish organization dedicated to supporting Republican politicians.

The trip’s goals mirror its financial supporters: Christie is looking to strengthen the state’s economic ties to Israel and to bolster his political résumé with a taste of foreign policy.

-snip-

A portion of the trip’s cost will be covered by Choose NJ, a pro-economic development organization funded by major corporations. The Christie administration helped found the group in 2010. Choose NJ operates outside of state government, and it is not required to disclose all of its donors. But the group works closely with the state Economic Development Authority and other parts of government.

The other co-sponsor is the Republican Jewish Coalition, a Washington, D.C., political lobbying group dedicated to fostering a relationship between GOP leaders and Jews. The coalition has sponsored similar trips to Israel for other Republican leaders, including then-Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush.

-more-

http://www.northjersey.com/news/040112_christieisrael.html

Wonder if Christie will be in Jerusalem for Passover this week . . . .

[malaise]

1. Hope he survives the trip

With his breathing problems and that weight a long distance flight must be a health risk