Chris Christie spent $82,594 of taxpayer money on snacks at football games
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) often touts reductions in state spending as his most significant gubernatorial accomplishment. Yet the governor has racked up steep tabs on food, drinks, and booze during his tenure that amount to around $300,000, according to a report Monday in New Jersey Watchdog.
Of that sum, Christie spent $82,594 on concessions during nearly 60 visits to MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Jets and Giants, according to Watchdog.
Christie's office was quick to note that the spending came out of a government allowance, which affords the governor $95,000 a year to use for official state business.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
"The official nature and business purpose of the event remains the case regardless of whether the event is at the State House, Drumthwacket or a sporting venue," Kevin Roberts, Christie's spokesperson, said in a statement.
Funniest, thought-provoking editorial cartoons, delivered each weekday
Jon Terbush is an associate editor at TheWeek.com covering politics, sports, and other things he finds interesting. He has previously written for Talking Points Memo, Raw Story, and Business Insider.