Politicians, business owners ready for annual ‘walk’ to DC

Political honchos and business hot shots from across the state will board an Amtrak train bound for Washington, D.C., as the state Chamber of Commerce commences its annual “Walk to Washington.”

Billed as the state’s “premiere networking event,” Thursday’s “walk” gets its name because many of the nearly 600 attendees spend most of their time walking along train cars, shaking hands and meeting peers. The Chamber chartered 14 cars and members pay nearly $600 to attend while non-members dole out nearly $700 for the event.

Gov. Chris Christie won’t be stalking the train’s corridors like the others, but he will headline the 78th annual event at Washington’s Marriot Wardman Park. Reps. Frank Pallone, Donald Norcross and Tom MacArthur also will speak.

Legislative leaders will also attend.