Six New Jersey newspaper editorial boards are calling for Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ) to resign for neglecting the state's constituents during his presidential campaign and his endorsement of GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump.
USA Today reported that six New Jersey newspapers associated with the USA TODAY NETWORK -- including the Asbury Park Press, the Cherry Hill Courier-Post, and the Morris Daily Record -- expressed “editorial outrage” at Christie following a February 29 press conference where he refused to take questions from the press after spending “261 days out of state last year” and giving Donald Trump his endorsement:
“We're fed up with Gov. Chris Christie's arrogance,” the papers wrote. “We're fed up with his opportunism. We're fed up with his hypocrisy.”
The joint editorial notes that Christie spent part of 261 days out of state last year and traveled out of state to endorse Trump and campaign with him after he quit the race Feb. 10.
“For the good of the state, it's time for Christie to do his long-neglected constituents a favor and resign as governor. If he refuses, citizens should initiate a recall effort,” the editorial said.
Christie faced a firestorm of media criticism after announcing his surprise endorsement of Donald Trump despite his earlier attacks on Trump during the race, calling him a “carnival barker,” and criticizing Fox News' support for him.
Trump has recently gained negative attention for his growing support among white nationalist groups and refusing to disavow the former Klu Klux Klan leader David Duke. The front-runner has also faced backlash for proposing to block all Muslims from entering the country, accusing Mexican migrants of being rapists and murderers, and insulting a journalist's disability.