TRENTON, N.J., Sept. 22 (UPI) — Republican presidential contender Chris Christie on Tuesday responded to a highly critical news report — which questioned his leadership of the New Jersey National Guard — by taking immediate action to correct one of the report’s main criticisms.
Washington Post reporter Craig Whitlock slammed Christie’s leadership in a piece published Monday. Among other things, the report accused Christie of allowing the 8,400-citizen militia to operate in a climate of dysfunction, complacency and cronyism.
“After he took office in 2010, Christie reappointed a two-star Army general — a childhood friend — to lead the Guard. But the married general was forced to resign in disgrace after staff members caught him having an affair at work,” Whitlock wrote, citing official documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.
“The governor’s next pick, an Air Force pilot, was secretly reprimanded by the Pentagon last year for his excessive waistline and for repeatedly ducking physical-fitness tests,” it continued.
In response, Christie on Tuesday ordered that the New Jersey National Guard leader must meet the physical fitness standards used by the Pentagon. And Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael L. Cunniff must meet the requirement within three months.
The Post report also cited multiple recent whistleblower claims that purportedly support the allegations of dysfunction — which were actually first reported in March by NJ Advanced Media.
Also, the report said, the one-star general was reprimanded by the Pentagon last year for failing to meet the physical standards. But he didn’t inform Christie until last week.
“The governor has expressed directly to the general that his failure to meet that standard or to provide notification of his formal reprimand is both unacceptable and disappointing,” gubernatorial spokesman Kevin Roberts said.
“I have struggled with weight control my entire adult life,” Cunniff said. “However, I do recognize that military members and leaders, like myself, are held to a higher standard. I take this matter seriously and am taking the necessary steps to remedy this issue.”
It remains to be seen how the Post report might affect Christie’s White House bid. Among a crowded field of contenders, the New Jersey governor is attempting to separate himself from the pack as a hard-nosed and experienced former law enforcement official dedicated to ensuring the federal government operates smoothly and efficiently.
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