New Jersey governor Chris Christie will reportedly skip a scheduled fundraiser in Mississippi, citing issues related to flooding caused by Hurricane Irene.
The New Jersey Republican was slated to speak Wednesday at the $250-a-ticket event to honor Mississippi governor Haley Barbour, who is in his final year in office. The Mississippi Republican governor remains a key figure within the Republican Party after announcing earlier this year that he would not seek the Republican presidential nomination. Earlier this year, Mr. Barbour toured several states with early presidential primaries or caucuses before announcing that he wouldn’t enter the 2012 race for the White House.
Mr. Christie and Mr. Barbour have spoken recently. The New Jersey governor says he called Mr. Barbour before Hurricane Irene reached New Jersey to ask for advice about dealing with the storm.
Mr. Christie said Monday that his state was facing challenges as officials reported flooding in various areas around the state.
Writing in a letter to President Obama on Monday, Mr. Christie requested federal funds as part of the cleanup effort.
“Based on the facts and information available, I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and the affective local governments and that supplementary Federal assistance is necessary,” Mr. Christie wrote.
