Christie Says He'll Vote For Northern New Jersey Casinos, Would Campaign For Them If Asked

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said Tuesday that he plans to cast his ballot in favor of expanding casinos to the northern part of the state this November.

Christie made the comment during a statehouse news conference Tuesday. The Republican governor also said he would campaign for the ballot question if asked.

While battling with Democratic leaders in the Legislature earlier this year, Christie had threatened to pull his support for casino expansion if his preferred plan for bailing out Atlantic City did not pass.

Competing campaigns in favor and against expanding casino gambling to two locations in northern Jersey have recently been announced.

So far, Christie has not campaigned for the expansion. He first announced his support for the expansion referendum in March.

CBS2 reported in March that one of the proposals calls for a $4 billion casino, hotel and entertainment project in Jersey City. The other major proposal is a casino at the Meadowlands, which would also feature a rock and roll museum.

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