Chris Christie update: Guv wants to scrap campaign donation limits

A few weeks after schmoozing with a profligate billionaire, Christie argues that donation caps are wrong

Published April 16, 2014 1:10PM (EDT)

Chris Christie                              (AP/Mel Evans)
Chris Christie (AP/Mel Evans)

A few weeks ago, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie joined a handful of fellow Republican governors — and 2016 presidential aspirants — in Las Vegas to woo prolific GOP donor and billionaire Sheldon Adelson. Now, Christie, who despite multiple scandals and investigations appears to still plan on running for president, is arguing that individuals like Sheldon Adelson should be able to donate as much money to a politician's campaign as they'd like, provided information about these donations was publicly available. This is, no doubt, a total coincidence.

Here's the latest news on campaign finance reform proponent Chris Christie:

  •  The Star-Ledger reports that during his latest town hall, Christie called campaign donation limits "ridiculous" and argued for their abolition. "If somebody wants to write me a $100,000 check to my campaign, great," Christie said, adding that such donations should be reported within a 48-hour timeframe. "You are never going to keep money out of politics," Christie continued. "I think we need to be realistic in this country about the fact that our political system costs money. None of these laws change that. So let's add transparency to it."
  • In somewhat related campaign finance news, Tom Kean Jr., the leader of New Jersey's Senate Republicans who recently survived a coup attempt backed by Christie, is holding a fundraiser for Jeb Bush's son George P. Bush. Kean's father is a former GOP governor of New Jersey and one-time Christie mentor; but Christie's siding with those who wanted to oust Kean Jr. has led to a falling out between the current and former governors.
  • And speaking of people who aren't fond of Christie, national Democrats have released a new Web ad attacking the Garden State governor and other GOP executives for troubles with the law. “As the RGA Chairman, Chris Christie continues to tout Republican governors as model leaders across the country," said Ian Sams, a spokesman for the Democratic National Committee. "But as time goes on, more and more GOP governors are emulating Christie in the worst way possible – by becoming embroiled in scandal and investigations.” 

By Elias Isquith

Elias Isquith is a former Salon staff writer.

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