Report: Christie Gets Into Argument With Teacher At Campaign Stop
SOMERS POINT, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie drew some heat this weekend after he got into a quarrel with a public school teacher at a campaign appearance, according to published reports.
At the event in Somers Point, Christie was asked by Buena Regional Middle School teacher Melissa Tomlinson why he "portrayed our schools as failure factories," according to NJ.com.
Christie responded: "What do you want? I'm tired of you people," Tomlinson told the newspaper. She told the paper the governor "told me to do my job," and then got on a bus and left.
The paper said Tomlinson belongs to the "Badass Teachers Association," a described on Facebook as having been "created to give voice to every teacher who refuses to be blamed for the failure of our society to erase poverty and inequality through education."
Christie referred to low-performing schools as "failure factories" that lead to failed dreams and prison in a speech last month in Teaneck, the paper reported. He cut more than $1 billion in state aid to schools during his first year in office, and has supported expanding charter schools and school vouchers, the paper reported.
Christie also has emphasized the attention his administration has given to public schools, the paper reported.
The Republican Christie is the heavy favorite against Democratic opponent Barbara Buono in the election Tuesday. This weekend, he was in the midst of a statewide bus tour that includes more than 40 stops over the campaign's final week.
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