MIA – Chris Christie’s Failure to Deliver

Regardless of political ideology, there are a few tasks Americans expect their government to perform – and perform well.

Whether it’s battling wildfires out West, cleaning up after tornadoes in the Plains, or digging out from snowstorms in the Midwest and East, most Americans expect a quick and efficient response from all levels of government. When the response is inadequate (think Bush and Katrina), there are often political consequences for elected officials.

This week’s paralyzing blizzard that left some Jersey Shore residents stranded without heat and food could cause serious political damage to New Jersey’s Chris Christie. The darling of national conservatives for his ‘take-no-prisoners’ approach to governing went on vacation (as did his Light Gov) despite worsening weather forecasts.  Poll numbers were already showing Christie’s home-state popularity declining. Going AWOL during a crisis can’t help.  It’s unlikely voters will quickly forget that their leaders were vacationing while they and their neighbors spent days digging out from under the snow drifts.

The lack of plows and passable streets serve as a vivid illustration of what happens when governments slash spending and cut public payrolls. The government (and the cut-and-run governor) won’t be able to help.