Chris Christie under fire for lounging on beach closed by government shutdown


Like many people over the weekend leading into the July 4 holiday, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) and his family enjoyed some relaxing time on a warm beach on Sunday. But unlike most people, the Christies had the beach entirely to themselves. That's because the Island Beach State Park was closed to, well, everyone, thanks to a state government shutdown Christie ordered that affected all state parks and beaches.
During a news conference on Saturday, Christie addressed his weekend plans, and asserted his right to stay at the park (along with his wife, children, and a handful of guests).
"[T]he governor has a residence at Island Beach. Others don't," Christie said. "It's just the way it goes. Run for governor and then you can have the residence."
Jessica Hullinger is a writer and former deputy editor of The Week Digital. Originally from the American Midwest, she completed a degree in journalism at Indiana University Bloomington before relocating to New York City, where she pursued a career in media. After joining The Week as an intern in 2010, she served as the title’s audience development manager, senior editor and deputy editor, as well as a regular guest on “The Week Unwrapped” podcast. Her writing has featured in other publications including Popular Science, Fast Company, Fortune, and Self magazine, and she loves covering science and climate-related issues.
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