NJ lawmaker plans bill to ban political use of state helicopter
A Democratic state senator says she is drafting legislation to ban Gov. Chris Christie’s use of a state police helicopter for out-of-state political travel.
State Sen. Linda Greenstein said Friday she will introduce the legislation later this month. Details of the bill are not yet available.
Christie is seeking the Republican nomination for president and has been spending time campaigning outside New Jersey.
Christie spokeswoman Samantha Smith told NJ.com this week the campaign has reimbursed the state about $13,000 for four flights since June 30.
The senator says it’s not appropriate for state resources to be used for political travel.
Christie spokesman Brian Murray said the state is reimbursed each time the helicopter is used for any purpose other than official state business. Murray called the announcement political showmanship.
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