NASHUA, N.H. – With nearly six weeks to go until the New Hampshire primary, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has a new target in the first primary state. During a Monday rallyTrump sharpened his attacks on New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie.
The billionaire businessman spent a substantial amount of time criticizing his 2016 rival Christie, who has received the New Hampshire Union Leader’s endorsement and is rising in some Granite State polls.
Trump noted how he was surprised the paper endorsed Christie, saying the first time he met with its publisher Joseph McQuaid, the newspaper man stated how much he hated that Christie had embraced President Obama in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.
“There are many people that think that endorsement cost the Republican Party,” Trump said. “When I saw it, I thought he’s [Christie] going to vote for Obama.”
While Trump repeated familiar criticism of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, he extensively attacked Christie’s record as governor and the financial standing of New Jersey. He attacked the governor over the state’s crediting rating, stating it has been downgraded nine times and that New Jersey ranks last in economic development.
“I have property in New Jersey. It’s a disaster. The property taxes are through the roof,” complained Trump.
He also sharply criticized Christie over the controversial closing of the George Washington Bridge, even alleging Christie had knowledge of the political dirty trick.
“Does anybody believe that? Honestly?” Trump asked. “Is there a 1 percent chance?”
“The people of New Jersey want to throw him out of office,” blasted Trump. “They say we’re going to hell and our governor is up in New Hampshire every single day holding town halls. He should really be doing it in New Jersey in all fairness.”
For Christie’s part, his time in New Hampshire is paying off. The New Jersey governor has seen an uptick in support in the Granite State. In the latest RealClearPolitics average, Christie finds himself tied with Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, for third place in the Granite State.
Despite touting that he has spent very little thus far in the campaign and seeing high poll numbers, Trump acknowledge to the Nashua crowd that he intends to spend a good deal of money over the next several weeks.
“Starting around January 4, I am going to spend a lot of money,” Trump told attendees at a post rally event in Nashua, N.H.. He added the campaign intends to spend a good deal of money of the next four weeks because they “don’t want to take any chances.”
Trump concluded his speech, which lasted just over an hour, by imploring voters to turn out. “It’s very important on February 8,” he said which the crowd quickly corrected shouting, “ninth.”
“What should I do on February 8?” joked Trump. “Stand there.”
