TYSON TRISH / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Governor Christie says he doesn’t hold a grudge against state Sen. Joseph Kyrillos, who is backing Jeb Bush.
Governor Christie said he doesn’t hold a grudge against Joseph Kyrillos for backing former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s potential presidential bid.
Christie, who is openly considering a run, has been a longtime friend of Kyrillos, a Republican state senator from Monmouth County. Christie introduced Kyrillos to his wife, Susan, and the state senator chaired Christie’s campaign when he first ran for governor in 2009. But Kyrillos recently gave $10,000 to Bush’s political action committee and hasn’t donated to Christie’s.
“Joe and Susan and I have been friends for over 20 years and we’ll always continue to be friends,” Christie said on his monthly radio show on NJ 101.5 FM. “This is politics and people make political decisions based upon politics. I hold no grudge at all. He’s been a great friend.”
Christie said Kyrillos did not tell him in advance that he was contributing to Bush, but that doesn’t change his view. “I love him,” Christie said.
Bush has been aggressively courting donors – including a number in New Jersey – and has plans to hold a fundraiser in The Garden State.
Christie said Kyrillos hasn’t called to tell him he was mad at him or disappointed with them. He said they had lunch a month or two ago and had a great conversation.
“I have nothing but respect and admiration for him and great respect and admiration and love for his wife,” Christie said. “This is politics. It’s business. He made a business decision, that’s all, that’s the only way I view it. I don’t view it as some personal shot at me.”
Christie was also asked about his relationship with Bush, who he has also called a friend.
The governor said the two potential candidates last spoke in early March when they were appearing at the Iowa Agricultural Summit and were placed in a holding room together before being brought out on stage.
“We sat down and talked for about five minutes,” Christie said. “You know, I don’t know if it will ever get to a point where you’re really angry with each other, but we’re no where near that point. You know, we’re both guys who are considering, because let’s remember something he hasn’t announced either.”
But Christie said he also wouldn’t have an issue distinguishing himself from Bush, who is seen as the governor’s biggest hurdle to overcome if he does enter the presidential race.
“I think we’re very different guys and people probably notice that already,” Christie said. “There are certain things we’ll agree on. Listen most Republicans will agree on most things, that’s what most Democrats agree on, most things. So the things we disagree on will be overemphasized by the media and others who cover it and there are going to be differences in personalities.”
Christie said he’s “unique and different” when compared to Bush or the three candidates who have already officially entered the race, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.
“Every candidate has his or her own fingerprint,” he said.
