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New Jersey Senate President: Christie May Have 'Prayed' For Sandy To Come

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) said Monday that Gov. Chris Christie might have "prayed" for Superstorm Sandy, because it has provided cover for what Sweeney said are the governor's failed economic policies.

Sweeney said the Republican governor's jobs plan before Sandy was a disaster, and now the reconstruction will provide an economic boost through thousands of construction jobs.

"I guess he prayed a lot and got lucky because a storm came," Sweeney said.

New Jersey Senate President: Christie May Have 'Prayed' For Sandy To Come

Democrats have for some time blamed Christie's administration for failing to create jobs or rescue more homeowners from foreclosure.

Republicans called the comment "way out of line."

Sweeney, who is the most powerful elected Democrat in New Jersey, immediately apologized for the remark.

The South Jersey lawmaker announced at the same event said he is thinking about getting into the governor's race. If he does, he will join a potentially crowded field that already includes State Sen. Barbara Buono of Metuchen and may also include former Gov. Richard Codey.

State Democrats gave popular Newark Mayor Cory Booker the right of first refusal for the governor's race. Booker opted against a run for governor.

Do you think the comment was "way out of line?" Leave your comments below...

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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