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NJ Bill Calls For Any Governor Running For President To Resign

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg is proposing a bill that would force any governor running for president to step aside, including current Gov. Chris Christie.

Weinberg believes trying to win over conservative Republican voters while governing a politically moderate state is impossible.

When Christie is traveling the country, he's not focused on the needs of New Jersey, Weinberg said.

NJ Bill Calls For Any Governor Running For President To Resign

"You're not doing things that are helpful to the citizens of New Jersey," said Weinberg, D-Teaneck. "He is now spending all of his time appealing to an electorate that is not representative of the residents of New Jersey."

In the past, Christie has said he's always available by phone, but Weinberg said that doesn't cut it.

NJ Bill Calls For Any Governor Running For President To Resign

"It's like being an absent parent saying, 'I can supervise my family via cell phone.' You cannot do that," Weinberg said. "The very absence of the governor of the state of New Jersey is a huge problem."

She wants Christie to resign.

"New Jersey needs a full-time governor to deal with the huge problems we have," Weinberg said.

If the legislation is adopted, Weinberg said every New Jersey governor, regardless of party affiliation, would be affected.

New Jersey residents are split on the issue.

"He should do one or the other," Jennifer from Long Branch said."It's too much work for one person."

Others such as Sharon, also from Long Branch, said Christie can multitask.

"You have backup to help you run the state while you're away running for president," she said.

Christie's office released a statement saying, "It's impossible to respond to every bit of silly nonsense that comes from this legislature. The Governor has been clear that he is never disconnected from doing his job as governor."

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