New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) couldn’t resist the opportunity to rib his newfound GOP rival Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) on Tuesday, joking that he faced a “very tough choice” between attending a campaign event with the Kentucky Republican and celebrating his wife’s 50th birthday.
A spokesman for the governor said that Christie’s plans with his wife, Mary Pat, will prevent him from joining Paul at a Sept. 13 rally for New Jersey GOP Senate candidate Steve Lonegan. Asked about the decision at a press availability Tuesday, Christie elaborated on a choice he indicated was a no brainer.
“I had to choose — it was a very tough choice, Terry — but I had to choose between my wife and Rand Paul,” Christie said. “And it’s Mary Pat’s 50th birthday that weekend and I’m taking her away, just the two of us for her 50th birthday. We’re leaving Friday morning, we won’t get back until Sunday night. And in a choice between Mary Pat Christie and Rand Paul, it’s no choice for me. So, I’ll be with Mary Pat.”
Both Christie and Paul are slated to attend a GOP fundraiser scheduled for later this month in New York.