Governor Christie Takes Jabs At Illinois Governor Quinn

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie continues in his harsh criticism of opponents, most recently with Illinois Governor Pat Quinn in his cross-hairs.

WCBS 880's Marla Diamond reports Christie doesn't appear too concerned about Illinois' attempts to lure businesses away from the Garden State.

"Let me tell you something. We won't lose any businesses to Illinois as long as Quinn's the governor. He's a disaster," said Christie.

Governor Quinn's office spoke with WCBS 880 and gave this statement:

"We were fourth in the nation in creating jobs last year while New Jersey was last. Site Selection magazine named Illinois in their top 10, while New Jersey was no where to be found. Instead of making personal attacks on other governors, Governor Quinn is focused on getting the state's fiscal house in order and continuing to make Illinois an even stronger economic competitor," said Brie Callahan of Governor Quinn's office.

At the same news conference, Christie called the President of the New Jersey Education Association 'a joke.' His harsh style raises few eyebrows anymore, but Star-Ledger reporter Tom Moran says it is starting to backfire.

"It's infuriating people. I mean, he called the Assembly Seaker Shelai Alber a liar a couple of months ago, and she produced documents that showed she wasn't lying. He hasn't apologized to her," said Moran.

Christie is still intimidating, says Moran.

"No one in his own party has opened their mouths since he took office except to say, 'Yes, sir,'" said Moran.

Christie's comments come as ads are set to appear in several New Jersey publications on Monday, including NJ Biz, criticizing the state's business climate. They were paid for by the advocacy group For a Better Chicago and are in retaliation for an ad campaign Christie launched to encourage businesses in Illinois to relocate to New Jersey.