A Democratic congressman told the New York Times in a story published Friday that he’s “very concerned” about Newark, N.J. Mayor Cory Booker’s (D) close ties with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R).
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), who’s running against Booker in the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s special U.S. Senate election this year, said that Booker’s relationship with the Republican governor has not advanced the party’s principles. The Times piece focused on the odd couple bipartisan friendship, detailing how Booker introduced Christie to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. Zuckerberg has since helped raise money for Christie’s re-election effort.
“I’m very concerned about his close relationship with the governor because I don’t think he has used that relationship to advance a progressive or Democratic agenda,” Pallone told the Times.
Christie, of course, has taken plenty of heat for his own embrace of a rival politician, with many Republicans bitter over the praise he offered President Barack Obama following Hurricane Sandy last year.
Polls have shown Booker as the overwhelming favorite to win the Democratic nomination in the special election.
