Christie unlikely to heed newspapers call to resign, but may feel more heat

All six of the Gannett-owned newspapers in New Jersey are calling for Gov. Christie to resign in the wake of his endorsement of Donald Trump’s presidential bid. The newspapers say they’re fed up with his arrogance and all the time he’s spending out of the state.

Analysts anticipate some political fallout.

But Rider University political science professor Ben Dworkin said he believes Christie won’t be influenced by the newspapers’ demand.

“He won’t back down from his current position —  which is that he thinks there’s no reason why he can’t be involved in national politics and still serve properly as governor of New Jersey,” Dworkin said.

While Christie might not care what the newspapers want, the stongly worded editorial could have an effect on his ability to govern effectively in the state, said Matthew Hale, a Seton Hall political science professor.

“It’s going to be a lot more difficult for Chris Christie to get what he wants because his opponents have no incentive to play nice with him because he’s so reviled in the state,” Hale predicted.

Monmouth University political analyst Patrick Murray took a longer view, speculating that Christie may be looking for an exit strategy from New Jersey.

“I have a feeling now that if Donald Trump doesn’t win the presidency and [then] give Chris Christie a job in Washington, that there’s a possibility that Christie might just pack up his bags and leave,” Murray said.

Christie’s term as governor continues for 22 months.