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."

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