New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie said he had the right to stay at the state-owned Island Beach State Park Saturday night after ordering the state government closure on Friday because of the budget stalemate, Politico reports.
"That's because the 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."
The conflict in the legislature is about the finances of the state's largest health insurer, not-for-profit Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield, according to NJ.com.
Christie stayed on the island at the "Governor’s Ocean House" with his wife, his children and some guests while the public was turned away. The residence has been kept for governors since the 1950s. Christie told Politico that his family was only using the house and wouldn’t be using any of the services the park normally provides, such as lifeguarding.
"They're still not requesting services," he said. "And they will continue to not request services. I don't know exactly what services we get, but they will not be requesting services."
Christie one week ago told New Jersey 101.5 that his "whole family" would be with him at the shore, including his oldest son Andrew who was expected to invite "a bunch of friends down."
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