Rock Creek Group

2012-02-02T16:09:02Z

1360Hindy:

'''Rock Creek Group''' is a “hedge fund of funds” manager based in Washington, D.C.. The firm is run by Iranian-born Afsaneh Mashayekhi Beschloss, the firm's President and CEO. Afsaneh was named among the top 50 Leading Women in Hedge Funds by The Hedge Fund Journal in 2011. <ref>[http://structuredproducts.org/members-news/structured-products-pro-afsaneh-beschloss-among-50-leading-women-in-hedge-funds/ Former World Bank Structured Products Pro Afsaneh Beschloss Among 50 Leading Women in Hedge Funds]</ref>

Rock Creek Group has $7.3 billion assets under management.<ref>[http://www.pionline.com/article/20110530/PRINTSUB/305309980/ "Institutional investors going long/short on commodities", By Christine Williamson, ''Pensions & Investments'', May 30, 2011]</ref> The hedge fund manager was previously known as Carlyle Asset Management Group (CAMG), which was a division of the highly influential and politically connected [[Carlyle Group]]. Beschloss joined The Carlyle Group in 2001. <ref>[http://www.carlyle.com/media%20room/news%20archive/2001/item6534.html The Carlyle Group - Press Release, April 17, 2001]</ref> The Carlyle Group sold a 60% stake in CAMG to Afsaneh Beschloss and her management team in 2003 and completed the transfer to Beschloss and team two years later.<ref>[http://www.hedgeweek.com/2003/06/23/carlyle-group-sells-controlling-stake-hedge-funds-management Carlyle Group sells controlling stake to hedge funds management]</ref>

Rock Creek Group has strong ties to Democrats and [[George Soros]]-backed groups. One of Rock Creek Group's senior advisors is [[Kathleen Kennedy Townsend]], a former Lt. Governor of Maryland and eldest child of former US Attorney General and US Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Kennedy Townsend is also Chairwoman of [[American Bridge 21st Century]]. The American Bridge 21st Century was founded by [[Media Matters for America]]'s [[David Brock]].<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/23/us/politics/23money.html Effort for Liberal Balance to G.O.P. Groups Begins]</ref> American Bridge was set up to raise and spend unlimited funds to influence the upcoming 2012 elections on behalf of Democrats. According to Newsmax.com, "American Bridge 21st Century was founded by David Brock, head of the George Soros-supported Media Matters for America, which is a so-called media watchdog group that has basically been on a mission to destroy Fox News and other perceived enemies of its liberal agenda."<ref>[http://www.newsmax.com/Hirsen/hollywood-campaign-jeffrey-katzenberg/2011/08/01/id/405550 Hollywood Bucks Pour Into Liberal Campaign Groups]</ref>

Another Rock Creek Group Senior Advisor is [[Laura D’Andrea Tyson]], who currently serves on [[President Obama]]'s ''Presidents Council on Jobs and Competitiveness''. She also served in the Clinton Administration and was the Chair of The Council of Economic Advisers (1993-1995) and the President’s National Economic Adviser (1995 – 1996). D’Andrea Tyson is also a Senior Fellow at the George Soros-backed [[Center for American Progress]]<ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/advisory-boards/jobs-council/members/tyson ''Presidents Council on Jobs and Competitiveness'']</ref>, which is run by former [[President Clinton]] Chief of Staff and confidant [[John Podesta]].

Rock Creek Group's own Chief Compliance Officer and Managing Director [[Sherri Rossoff]] is married to [[Benjamin Chevat]], the Chief of Staff to Congresswoman [[Carolyn Maloney]] (Democrat - NY).<ref>[http://www.legistorm.com/fo_dev.php/person_disclosure/14866/Benjamin_Chevat.html Benjamin Chevat (Ben), Congressional Staffer - Personal Financial Disclosures]</ref><ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/17/classified/paid-notice-deaths-rossoff-ruth.html NY Times Obit Archive - Ruth Rossoff]</ref> Maloney is a leading Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, which has jurisdiction over all issues pertaining to the economy, the banking system, housing, insurance, and securities and exchanges.<ref>[http://financialservices.house.gov/About/Members.htm US House Committee on Financial Services]</ref>

[[Afsaneh M. Beschloss]] is a big supporter of [[Democrats]], [[Barack Obama]] and liberal organizations. In 2008, she contributed $25,000 to the Obama Victory Fund, $10,000 to the [[Democratic National Committee]] and $2,300 to Obama for America.<ref>[http://www.campaignmoney.com/political/contributions/afsaneh-mashayekhi-beschloss.asp?cycle=08 Political Campaign Contributions 2008 Election Cycle, ''Campaignmoney.com'']</ref><ref> [http://www.iqelections.com/washington-DC-political-contributions--2-20008-2008.html 2008 District of Colombia Contributions in Washington (2008), ''IQ Elections'']</ref>

Rock Creek Group’s CEO is also a Trustee of The [[Ford Foundation]], a liberal foundation based in New York City that donates millions of dollars to far-left organizations. In 2010 alone, it allocated millions in contributions to [[George Soros]]-backed organizations such as [[Center for American Progress]] and [[Media Matters for America]], run by the controversial [[David Brock]]. Other notable far-left groups it donated to include [[New Israel Fund]], [[Astraea Foundation]], [[Global Rights]] and [[Amnesty International]]. <ref>[http://www2.guidestar.org/organizations/13-1684331/ford-foundation.aspx# The Ford Foundation's donations retrieved from Guidestar, the database of IRS filings filed by non-profit organizations]</ref> She serves as Chairman of the Investment Committee for the foundation.<ref>[http://www.wri.org/about/board/afsaneh-beschloss World Resources Institute - Board of Directors Bios]</ref> In addition to the Ford Foundation, Beschloss also serves on the board of the [[Urban Institute]], and the [[Colonial Williamsburg Foundation]] and sits is on the Investment Committee of the [[Rockefeller Brothers Fund]].<ref>[http://www.100womeninhedgefunds.org/pages/news_item.php?p=3&sw=&si=0&n=69 100 Women in Hedge Funds Press Release - April 26, 2011]</ref>

==External links==
*[http://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/24/business/investing-it-yes-risk-taking-at-the-world-bank.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm "INVESTING IT; Yes, Risk-Taking At the World Bank", By Robert D. Hershey Jr, ''New York Times'', May 24, 1998]
*[http://investing.businessweek.com/businessweek/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=833750&privcapId=833653&previousCapId=29096&previousTitle=GOOGLE%20INC-CL%20A The Rock Creek Group, LP - Businessweek profile]
*[http://www.firedems.com/members/afsaneh_m_beschloss/ Afsaneh Beschloss bio]

== References ==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Beschloss, Afsaneh M.}}
[[Category: Liberals]]
[[Category: Washington, DC]]
[[Category: Hedge Funds]]
[[Category: Foundations]]
[[Category: Barack Hussein Obama]]
[[Category: Obama Presidency]]
[[Category: Obama Administration]]

Afsaneh M. Beschloss

2012-02-02T16:04:56Z

1360Hindy:

'''Afsaneh Mashayekhi Beschloss''' was born in Iran in 1956. <ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/24/business/investing-it-yes-risk-taking-at-the-world-bank.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm "INVESTING IT; Yes, Risk-Taking At the World Bank", By Robert D. Hershey Jr, ''New York Times'', May 24, 1998]</ref> Afsaneh was named among the top 50 Leading Women in Hedge Funds by The Hedge Fund Journal in 2011. <ref>[http://structuredproducts.org/members-news/structured-products-pro-afsaneh-beschloss-among-50-leading-women-in-hedge-funds/ Former World Bank Structured Products Pro Afsaneh Beschloss Among 50 Leading Women in Hedge Funds]</ref>

Beschloss is currently President and CEO of [[Rock Creek Group]], a “hedge fund of funds” manager based in Washington, D.C.. The firm has $7.3 billion assets under management.<ref>[http://www.pionline.com/article/20110530/PRINTSUB/305309980/ "Institutional investors going long/short on commodities", By Christine Williamson, ''Pensions & Investments'', May 30, 2011]</ref> Rock Creek Group was previously known as Carlyle Asset Management Group (CAMG), which was a division of the highly influential and politically connected [[Carlyle Group]]. Beschloss joined The Carlyle Group in 2001. <ref>[http://www.carlyle.com/media%20room/news%20archive/2001/item6534.html The Carlyle Group - Press Release, April 17, 2001]</ref> The Carlyle Group sold a 60% stake in CAMG to Afsaneh Beschloss and her management team in 2003 and completed the transfer to Beschloss and team two years later.<ref>[http://www.hedgeweek.com/2003/06/23/carlyle-group-sells-controlling-stake-hedge-funds-management Carlyle Group sells controlling stake to hedge funds management]</ref>

Beschloss has strong ties to Democrats and [[George Soros]]-backed groups. One of Rock Creek Group's senior advisors is [[Kathleen Kennedy Townsend]], a former Lt. Governor of Maryland and eldest child of former US Attorney General and US Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Kennedy Townsend is also Chairwoman of [[American Bridge 21st Century]]. The American Bridge 21st Century was founded by [[Media Matters for America]]'s [[David Brock]].<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/23/us/politics/23money.html Effort for Liberal Balance to G.O.P. Groups Begins]</ref> American Bridge was set up to raise and spend unlimited funds to influence the upcoming 2012 elections on behalf of Democrats. According to Newsmax.com, "American Bridge 21st Century was founded by David Brock, head of the George Soros-supported Media Matters for America, which is a so-called media watchdog group that has basically been on a mission to destroy Fox News and other perceived enemies of its liberal agenda."<ref>[http://www.newsmax.com/Hirsen/hollywood-campaign-jeffrey-katzenberg/2011/08/01/id/405550 Hollywood Bucks Pour Into Liberal Campaign Groups]</ref>

Another Rock Creek Group Senior Advisor is [[Laura D’Andrea Tyson]], who currently serves on [[President Obama]]'s ''Presidents Council on Jobs and Competitiveness''. She also served in the Clinton Administration and was the Chair of The Council of Economic Advisers (1993-1995) and the President’s National Economic Adviser (1995 – 1996). D’Andrea Tyson is also a Senior Fellow at the George Soros-backed [[Center for American Progress]]<ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/advisory-boards/jobs-council/members/tyson ''Presidents Council on Jobs and Competitiveness'']</ref>, which is run by former [[President Clinton]] Chief of Staff and confidant [[John Podesta]].

Rock Creek Group's own Chief Compliance Officer and Managing Director [[Sherri Rossoff]] is married to [[Benjamin Chevat]], the Chief of Staff to Congresswoman [[Carolyn Maloney]] (Democrat - NY).<ref>[http://www.legistorm.com/fo_dev.php/person_disclosure/14866/Benjamin_Chevat.html Benjamin Chevat (Ben), Congressional Staffer - Personal Financial Disclosures]</ref><ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/17/classified/paid-notice-deaths-rossoff-ruth.html NY Times Obit Archive - Ruth Rossoff]</ref> Maloney is a leading Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, which has jurisdiction over all issues pertaining to the economy, the banking system, housing, insurance, and securities and exchanges.<ref>[http://financialservices.house.gov/About/Members.htm US House Committee on Financial Services]</ref>

Prior to Rock Creek Group, Beschloss was Treasurer and Chief Investment Officer for the [[World Bank]], where she worked from 1996 to 2001.<ref>[http://investing.businessweek.com/businessweek/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=833750&privcapId=833653&previousCapId=29096&previousTitle=GOOGLE%20INC-CL%20A The Rock Creek Group, LP - Businessweek profile]</ref> She also worked at J.P. Morgan and Shell International Planning Group and taught international trade at Oxford University. <ref>[http://structuredproducts.org/members-news/structured-products-pro-afsaneh-beschloss-among-50-leading-women-in-hedge-funds/ Former World Bank Structured Products Pro Afsaneh Beschloss Among 50 Leading Women in Hedge Funds]</ref>

Afsaneh Mashayekhi Beschloss is a big supporter of [[Democrats]], [[Barack Obama]] and liberal organizations. In 2008, she contributed $25,000 to the Obama Victory Fund, $10,000 to the [[Democratic National Committee]] and $2,300 to Obama for America.<ref>[http://www.campaignmoney.com/political/contributions/afsaneh-mashayekhi-beschloss.asp?cycle=08 Political Campaign Contributions 2008 Election Cycle, ''Campaignmoney.com'']</ref><ref> [http://www.iqelections.com/washington-DC-political-contributions--2-20008-2008.html 2008 District of Colombia Contributions in Washington (2008), ''IQ Elections'']</ref>

She is a Trustee of The [[Ford Foundation]], a liberal foundation based in New York City that donates millions of dollars to far-left organizations. In 2010 alone, it allocated millions of dollars in contributions to [[George Soros]]-backed organizations such as [[Center for American Progress]] and [[Media Matters for America]], run by the controversial [[David Brock]]. Other notable far-left groups it donated to include [[New Israel Fund]], [[Astraea Foundation]], [[Global Rights]] and [[Amnesty International]]. <ref>[http://www2.guidestar.org/organizations/13-1684331/ford-foundation.aspx# The Ford Foundation's donations retrieved from Guidestar, the database of IRS filings filed by non-profit organizations]</ref> She serves as Chairman of the Investment Committee for the foundation.<ref>[http://www.wri.org/about/board/afsaneh-beschloss World Resources Institute - Board of Directors Bios]</ref> In addition to the Ford Foundation, Beschloss also serves on the board of the [[Urban Institute]], and the [[Colonial Williamsburg Foundation]] and sits is on the Investment Committee of the [[Rockefeller Brothers Fund]].<ref>[http://www.100womeninhedgefunds.org/pages/news_item.php?p=3&sw=&si=0&n=69 100 Women in Hedge Funds Press Release - April 26, 2011]</ref>

Beschloss is married to well-known US historian [[Michael Beschloss]], who has written extensively on US Presidents and the presidency. An analyst for [[NBC News]], <ref>[http://www.bookbrowse.com/biographies/index.cfm/author_number/829/michael-beschloss BookBrowse.com biography of Michael Beschloss]</ref><ref>[http://biggovernment.com/dwohl/2012/01/31/morris-beschloss-george-soros-the-most-dangerous-man-in-america/ It's Father Versus Son as Morris Beschloss Declares George Soros 'The Most Dangerous Man in America']</ref> Michael is also no stranger to helping President Barack Obama. As Obama's team prepares for the 2012 election, he spoke at a White House staff retreat held at the Fort McNair military base in Spring of 2011. Bescloss briefed the Obama staff on presidential elections of the past. <ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/27/sunday-review/Team-Obama-Gears-Up-for-2012.html Team Obama Gears Up for 2012]</ref>

== Education ==
* She holds an MPhil (Honors) in Economics from [[Oxford University]].<ref>[http://www.wri.org/about/board/afsaneh-beschloss]</ref>

==External links==
*[http://www.firedems.com/members/afsaneh_m_beschloss/ Afsaneh Beschloss bio]

== References ==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Beschloss, Afsaneh M.}}
[[Category: Liberals]]
[[Category: Washington, DC]]
[[Category: Hedge Funds]]
[[Category: Foundations]]
[[Category: Barack Hussein Obama]]
[[Category: Obama Presidency]]
[[Category: Obama Administration]]

Media Matters for America

2012-02-02T15:56:26Z

1360Hindy:

Media Matters for America

2012-02-02T15:54:57Z

1360Hindy:

Media Matters for America

2012-01-30T15:35:06Z

1360Hindy:

'''Media Matters for America''' is a far-left activist organization with strong [[Democratic Party]] ties founded by [[David Brock]]. Media Matters claims its goal is to highlight what it considers [[conservative]] misinformation in mass media organizations. Primarily, they target prominent conservative public officials, public television personalities, [[Fox News]], and [[conservative talk radio]]. Some claim they were instrumental in lobbying for the firing of [[Don Imus]],<ref>[http://www.aim.org/special_report/5390_0_8_0_C/ How Hillary's Hit Man Got Imus], Cliff Kincaid, April 17, 2007.</ref> whom they considered a moderate for endorsing [[John Kerry]] for [[United States presidential election, 2004|president in 2004]].<ref>[http://hotair.com/archives/2007/04/17/video-tammy-bruce-exposes-far-left-outlets-hit-list-on-everyone-to-their-right/ Video: Tammy Bruce exposes far-left outlets’ hit list on everyone to their right,] ''FOX News'', April 17, 2007.</ref> Imus was targeted by the liberal left for criticizing Senator [[Charles Schumer]] and most notably, the constant rebuke of former First Lady and at the time Senator [[Hillary Clinton]].

==Founding==
Since 2004, Media Matters has monitored conservative media and attacked high-profile conservatives with provocative language. In addition, it is often accused of using out-of-context [[quote mining]]. It is headed by [[David Brock]], a former conservative who claims he made up stories about such people as [[Anita Hill]], who charged Supreme Court Justice [[Clarence Thomas]] with sexual harassment during Thomas’s confirmation hearings. Brock developed a relationship in the 1990s with then-First Lady [[Hillary Clinton]]'s press aide, [[Neel Lattimore]], and came out of the closet, announcing he was a [[homosexual]] and joining the [[liberal]] cause. Brock later hired Lattimore at Media Matters as director of "special projects."

Brock is a self-proclaimed fabricator of lies who strong-armed sources that didn’t agree with him.<ref>[http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=20711 Media Matters: Defaming Journalists, Getting Sued], by Catherine Moy, ''Human Events'', 05/15/2007.</ref> While writing ''Blinded by the Right'',<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1058/is_23_119/ai_94639741/pg_1 Slime-master: inside the `vast right-wing conspiracy' - Blinded by the Right: The Conscience of an Ex-Conservative] - Book Review, Christian Century, Nov 6, 2002 by Gary Dorrien.</ref> Brock was hospitalized in a mental facility where he spent time in a "quiet room" and "had delusions, he thought people were trying to kill him," according to the Drudge Report.<ref>http://www.drudgereportarchives.com/data/2002/05/22/20020522_143906_brockb.htm</ref>

Brock outlined his lies and conversion to liberalism in his 2002 book, ''Blinded By The Right.'' He launched Media Matters in 2004 after conferring with [[Hillary Clinton]].

“David Brock has invented a new form of political organization: a tax-exempt group that is subsidized by taxpayers while Brock gets to spew his hate/smears,” said Anthony “Andy” Martin, a journalist suing Brock & Media Matters for defamation.

[[Jamison Foser]] is described on the Media Matters website as having "served as Research Director at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ([[DCCC]]) for the 2002 cycle" and is one of several staffers with connections to the faction of Democratic Party linked to the Clintons.

Glenn Thrush of ''Newsday'' has reported very close ties between Brock and the [[Hillary Clinton]] campaign, noting that Hillary "advised Brock" on creating his organization. He added, "For her part, Clinton's extended family of contributors, consultants and friends has played a pivotal role in helping Media Matters grow from a $3.5 million start-up in 2004 to its current $8.5 million budget."<ref>[http://www.aim.org/aim_report/5541_0_4_0_C/ AIM Report: Hillary's Hit Man Strikes Again], Accuracy in Media, June 19, 2007.</ref> While speaking at a [[Daily Kos]] event; Hillary Clinton bragged about her role regarding <ref>[http://newsbusters.org/node/16046/print Hillary Clinton Told YearlyKos Convention She Helped Start Media Matters]" News Busters, October 1st, 2007</ref>

{{cquote|institutions that I helped to start and support like '''Media Matters''' and '''Center for American Progress'''.}}

==Recent Developments==

Media Matters has come under attack by the influential [[Simon Wiesenthal Center]] for supporting bloggers who promote "dangerous political libels" and "toxic anti-Jewish prejudices". According to the Center, Media Matters Senior Foreign Policy Fellow [[MJ Rosenberg]] "has repeatedly smeared Jewish groups such the [[Anti-Defamation League]], the [[American Jewish Committee]], and the [[American Israel Public Affairs Committee]] as “Israel Firsters.”"<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/post/simon-wiesenthal-center-time-to-clean-up-the-discourse/2011/12/13/gIQAThG6rO_blog.html Simon Wiesenthal Center: Time to clean up the discourse]</ref><ref>[http://biggovernment.com/tag/mj-rosenberg/ Democrats' 'Brain Trust' Hit by Antisemitism Accusations]</ref>

In a Twitter post by MJ Rosenberg, he called Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "terrorist".<ref>[http://biggovernment.com/abreitbart/2011/05/20/media-matters-honcho-attacks-israel-aipac-calls-netanyahu-terrorist/ Media Matter's MJ Rosenberg tweets, calls Israel PM Netanyahu a "terrorist"]</ref>

==The MSNBC – Media Matters Connection==

Media Matters for America is a very popular source of information within MSNBC’s prime time lineup. Some might argue [[MSNBC]] is a defacto mouth piece for the organization.<ref>[http://bigjournalism.com/sright/2011/07/12/media-matters-propaganda-watch-the-tax-exempt-research-department-of-msnbc-martin-bashir-edition/ Media Matters Propaganda Watch: The Tax-Exempt Research Department of MSNBC, Martin Bashir Edition]</ref> In prime time alone, since 2005 Media Matters has either been booked as a guest and/or mentioned on the network nearly 200 times. Media Matters has been particularly popular with MSNBC’s producers during the last 2 years.
Below are some interesting tid bits about Media Matters and its growing relationship with MSNBC’s prime time programming:

* 197 guest appearances and/or on-air mentions on MSNBC’s prime time since January 2005
* Of the roughly 390 broadcast evenings on MSNBC since July 2010, Media Matters has either been booked as a guest and/or mentioned on air 26% of the possible broadcast evenings (1 out of every 4 days).
* In 2011, on average, a Media Matters representative appeared on MSNBC at least once per week
* [[Eric Boehlert]] has been the most popular Media Matters representative on MSNBC, accounting for 43% of all Media Matters appearances on the cable network
* [[The Ed Show]] is the most popular show for Media Matters representatives, accounting for 72 Media Matters guest appearances since 2009<ref>[http://www.nexis.com Search and analysis on MSNBC's primetime transcripts via Nexis.com]</ref>

==Financial information==
For 2009, Media Matters of America showed assets of $2,774,565 and income of $6,711,993.<ref>[http://www2.guidestar.org/organizations/b/47-0928008/media-matters-america.aspx Media Matters 990 tax filings, 2003 - 2009]</ref>

Since its inception, they've received over $40 million dollars in contributions from several sources including wealthy liberal activists such as [[George Soros]]<ref>[http://www.politico.com/blogs/onmedia/1010/Soros_gives_1_million_to_Media_Matters.html "Soros gives $1 million to Media Matters"], Politico.com October 20, 2010</ref> and hedge funds<ref>[http://nymag.com/news/media/david-brock-media-matters-2011-5/index3.html "If I Take Down Fox, Is All Forgiven?"], By Jason Zengerle, ''New York Magazine'', May 22, 2011</ref>. Left-wing foundations have also been a rich source of funding as well, accounting for over $17 million in donations. Below are the list of foundations who've helped to fund Media Matters over the years. The data is culled from publicly available tax filings made by these foundations as of October 25, 2011.

'''Top Foundations Donating Funds to Media Matters for America Operations''' (> $50,000):<ref>[http://www2.guidestar.org/ Guidestar database of IRS filings filed by non-profit organizations]</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Foundation
!Amount Donated to Media Matters
|-
|1. [[Bohemian Foundation]]
| $2,325,000
|-
|2. [[Ford Foundation]]
| $1,945,000
|-
|3. [[Dyson Foundation]]
| $1,450,000
|-
|4. [[Gill Foundation]]
| $1,150,000
|-
|5. [[Stephen M. Silberstein Foundation ]]
| $1,125,000
|-
|6. [[Tides Foundation]]
| $946,276
|-
|7. [[Bauman Familly Foundation]]
| $600,000
|-
|8. [[Schumann Center for Media and Democracy]]
| $600,000
|-
|9. [[Leland Fikes Foundation ]]
| $500,000
|-
|10. [[Silicon Valley Community Foundation]]
| $428,000
|-
|11. [[Gruber Family Foundation]]
| $400,000
|-
|12. [[Joyce Foundation]]
| $400,000
|-
|13. [[Marisla Foundation]]
| $370,000
|-
|14. [[Boston Foundation (aka TBF)]]
| $305,000
|-
|15. [[Lewis B. & Dorothy Cullman Foundation]]
| $300,000
|-
|16. [[Glaser Progress Foundation]]
| $300,000
|-
|17. [[Marin Community Foundation]]
| $300,000
|-
|18. [[Lotus Foundation]]
| $280,000
|-
|19. [[Dallas Foundation]]
| $250,000
|-
|20. [[Schooner Foundation]]
| $234,717
|-
|21. [[Mai Family Foundation]]
| $225,000
|-
|22. [[McKay Foundation]]
| $225,000
|-
|23. [[Bernard and Audre Rapoport Foundation ]]
| $175,000
|-
|24. [[Johnson Family Foundation]]
| $155,000
|-
|25. [[Goatie Foundation]]
| $150,000
|-
|26. [[Pritzker Family Foundation ]]
| $150,000
|-
|27. [[Wasserman Foundation]]
| $150,000
|-
|28. [[BayTree Fund]]
| $110,000
|-
|29 [[Kanter Family Foundation]]
| $108,000
|-
|30. [[Proteus Fund]]
| $95,000
|-
|31. [[Dwoskin Family Foundation]]
| $87,500
|-
|32. [[Barbara Lee Family Foundation]]
| $80,000
|-
|33. [[J.M. Kaplan Fund]]
| $77,500
|-
|34. [[Furman Foundation]]
| $75,000
|-
|35. [[Murphy Family Foundation]]
| $75,000
|-
|36. [[Sagner Family Foundation]]
| $65,000
|-
|37. [[Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (aka RPA)]]
| $60,000
|-
|38. [[Wallace Global Fund]]
| $60,000
|-
|39. [[AG Foundation (aka Agnes Gund Foundation)]]
| $55,000
|-
|40. [[Lear Family Foundation ]]
| $55,000
|-
|41. [[Barbra Streisand Foundation]]
| $55,000
|-
|42. [[Greater Kansas City Community Foundation (aka GKCCF)]]
| $51,000
|-
|43. [[Carnegie Corporation]]
| $50,000
|-
|44. [[Daniel Neidich & Brooke Gerber Foundation]]
| $50,000
|-
|45. [[Park Foundation]]
| $50,000
|}

==References==
<references/>
==External links==
*[http://www.mediamatters.org Media Matters For America Website]
*[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/06/AR2005080600848_pf.html Rich Liberals Vow to Fund Think Tanks], By Thomas B. Edsall, ''Washington Post'', August 7, 2005.
*[http://www.frontpagemag.com/articles/readarticle.asp?ID=15409&p=1 The Shadow Party: Part II Continued ], By David Horowitz and Ben Johnson, ''FrontPageMagazine.com'', October 7, 2004.
*[http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=19564 David Brock: Media Liar], By Jacob Laksin, ''FrontPageMagazine.com'', September 21, 2005.
*[http://www.therealitycheck.org/StaffWriter/bparks061507.htm Misleading Matters], by Bob Parks, ''TheRealityCheck.org'', retrieved 15/06/07.
*[http://www.firedems.com/members/david_brock/ David Brock bio]

[[Category: Liberal Organizations]]
[[Category: Foundations]]
[[Category: United States Political Organizations]]

Chris Christie

2012-01-24T15:40:07Z

1360Hindy: /* Record as Governor */

{{Officeholder
|name=Chris Christie
|image=Chris-christie3.jpg
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Mary Pat Christie
|religion=Roman Catholic
|offices=
{{Officeholder/governor
|state=New Jersey
|terms=January 19, 2010 - Present
|preceded=[[Jon Corzine]]
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
}}

'''Christopher Christie''' (born September 6, 1962 in Newark, New Jersey) is the 55th and current Governor of [[New Jersey]], having won in the 2009 election by a 49%-45% margin over incumbent [[Democrat]] [[Jon Corzine]]. A [[Republican]], previously Christie served as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey.

Having declined to run for president in 2012, Christie is a leading contender to be picked for Vice President. He could attract [[Catholic]] voters nationwide, as well as Irish and Italian American voters, which could help carry [[Pennsylvania]]. However, doubts remain among some conservative voters concerning his commitment to fighting the rise of [[Sharia law]] and the Islamization of America.<ref>See comments posted at http://conservativebyte.com/2011/08/chris-christie-blasts-crazies-after-appointing-muslim-judge-the-sharia-law-business-is-just-crap/</ref>

Christie is a [[PLINO]].

==Biography==

Prior to his election as governor, Christie's only elected experience was serving on the Morris County board of Freeholders from 1995-1998. His colleagues praised him as effective, such as requiring as policy that the freeholder board go out for three quotations even on no-bid contracts. They also noted that he was unusually ambitious, when he unsuccessfully ran for State Assembly just two months into his term. <ref>http://www.politickernj.com/max/26275/political-career-three-parts-chris-christie-freeholder</ref> During his tenure in office county taxes decreased by 6.6%. <ref>http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/gop_candidate_chris_christie_l.html</ref>

After serving as a top fundraiser for [[George W. Bush]]'s 2000 presidential campaign, the [[Bush administration]] appointed Christie as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey and served from 2002-2008. He was also one of the 17 U.S. Attorneys on [[Attorney General]] [[Alberto Gonzales]]'s advisory commitee. Christie's most high profile prosecutions included State Senator and [[Newark]] Mayor Sharpe James for mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiring to rig the sale of nine city lots to his mistress. <ref>[http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/04/newark_ex_mayor_sharpe_james_convicted.html] Mayor James convicted</ref> He also led the felony conviction of State Senator Wayne Brant of mail and wire fraud, and bribery for soliciting a job at the School of Osteopathic Medicine. <ref>http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/topstories/index.ssf/2008/11/exlawmaker_bryant_guilty_of_br.html</ref> As attorney, Christie won convictions or guilty pleas from over 130 public officials, without losing a single case.

Christie's service as a prosecutor had an influence in [[national security]], when he led the team that prosecuted Hemant Lakhani, who had the desire to broker the sale of shoulder-fired missiles to shoot down American passenger jets. <ref>http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-6229181-details/%27Del+Boy%27+trader+on+arms+charge/article.do;jsessionid=2F40D75F1AFD0FA79E8E876DCB944F88</ref> When leaving office in December 2008 he was praised by every major newspaper in New Jersey. The Philadelphia Inquirer editorialized "Christie has already done more good for New Jersey than some previous governors." The [[New York Times]] wrote that Christie "won widespread admiration for his aggressive fight against political corruption." <ref>http://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=14677&ShowAllPoll=Y</ref>

Even Governor Corzine, Christie's opponent in the gubernatorial election praised Christie in 2005, saying "I have supported Chris Christie as being our U.S. attorney, fought for his ability to be that, endorsed what he's doing...There have been as many Republicans as Democrats who have been brought to justice because of Chris Christie. I think he's doing a great job." <ref>http://www.christiefornj.com/images/negativeattacks.pdf</ref>

==2009 Gubernatorial Campaign==
[[Image:Christiemap.jpg|thumb|right|350px|2009 Election Results]]
In the Republican primary, Christie defeated former mayor [[Steve Lonegan]].

Although a Democratic state, Christie was elected while advocating the need to downsize state [[government]] and reduce property taxes. New Jersey had faced a weakened economy, high budget deficit and a high tax burden, reslting in Corzine's defeat.

In July, Christie endorsed [[President Obama]]'s nomination of [[Sonia Sotomayor]] to the [[U.S. Supreme Court]], saying "Elections have consequences. One of those consequences are judicial appointments. While Judge Sotomayor would not have been my choice, President Obama has used his opportunity to fill a seat on the Supreme Court by choosing a nominee who has more than proven her capability, competence and ability." <ref>http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/07/gop_gov_candidate_chris_christ_3.html</ref>

Christopher Christie is pro-life:
:"I believe in the sanctity, dignity and inherent value of all human life. Hearing the heartbeat of my unborn daughter 14 years ago had a profound effect on me. I am pro-life because I believe her life and the life of every child is precious." <ref>http://www.christiefornj.com/questions-for-chris</ref>

===Notable Endorsements===
*Former [[New York City]] [[Mayor]] [[Rudy Giuliani]]
*Former [[Massachusetts]] Governor [[Mitt Romney]]
*Former New Jersey Governor [[Thomas H. Kean]]
*Economist [[Steve Forbes]]
*New Jersey Right to Life Committee <ref>http://www.lifenews.com/state4512.html</ref>

==Record as Governor==

On Christie's first day as governor he signed eight executive orders and froze several government regulations. He gave a nod to Casinos, signing an order saying that their employees are essential state workers and will not have to close in any future state government shutdown, as they were in 2006. Christie also added unions to the list of groups who cannot receive state contracts of more than $17,500 if they have donated more than $300 to a campaign for governor or county political committee in the previous 18 months.<ref>http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/new_jersey/article_63a14ff8-8038-591a-8f1a-7503e1bbcbcc.html</ref>

In February, Christie announced that he would immediately freeze all state spending. Saying New Jersey is on the verge of bankruptcy, Christie declared a fiscal emergency, announcing drastic cuts. <ref>http://wcbstv.com/local/governor.christie.freezes.2.1487727.html</ref>

On March 16, 2011, Christie announced major cuts to education to help balance the budget bloat caused by years under Democratic governors. <ref>http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2010/03/22/25559/</ref> The New Jersey Education Association hotly contested these vital cuts, as they would almost certainly require the firing of non-tenured teachers to balance local school budgets, a problem the teacher's union created in the first place. Recently, the cuts have been challenged by the Supreme court, despite there being no link between New Jersey's relatively large amount of educational spending and increased statewide academic success. <ref>http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/03/christies_school_aid_cuts_left.html</ref>

In August 2011, Christie raised controversy by dismissing legitimate concerns voters and members of the New Jersey state legislature had raised concerning his appointment of Sohail Mohammed, a Muslim attorney with a history of defending Muslims after [[September 11, 2001 attacks|9/11]], as a judge on the state bench. Christie used profanity in referring to concerns that Mohammed would institute [[Sharia law]] from his position as state judge, and called citizens concerned about the Islamization of America "crazies."<ref>http://nation.foxnews.com/chris-christie/2011/08/04/christie-defends-appointing-muslim-judge-sharia-law-business-crap</ref>

Governor Christie has endorsed a plan to to merge part of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) with Rutgers University. The plan would include UMDNJ’s New Brunswick-Piscataway campus — Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the School of Public Health and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. The change would help raise Rutgers’ profile and draw more research dollars to the state, according to the recommendations. <ref>[http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/09/umdnj-rutgers_partial_merger_r.html Gov. Christie strongly endorses partial merger of Rutgers and UMDNJ]</ref> Rutgers, one of the few state universities without its own medical school, has been lobbying for a merger since another state task force headed by former New Jersey Gov. [[Thomas H. Kean]] first suggested the idea in January 2011. The reorganization has an “aggressive” target date of July 1, 2012. By adding a medical school, Rutgers’ rank among universities in spending on research and development would rise dramatically<ref>[http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/12/no_time_wasted_creating_rutger.html No time is being wasted creating Rutgers medical school]</ref>

==External Links==
*[http://www.state.nj.us/governor/ Governor of New Jersey Official Site]

===Videos===
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICIa-KJeUtM&feature=related Governor Christie: Style]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evtt-R7Rmdw&feature=related Governor Christie: Day of Reckoning]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVccFQLFmUo&feature=related Conservative Governor on his "confrontational tone"]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlzA9dgZ1qM&feature=related Rush Limbaugh: Governor Chris Christie Slaughters a Liberal Reporter]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeXBlZdPENU&feature=related Governor Chris Christie For President 2012]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljIVr0dVgww&feature=related Christie Slams Teacher Unions]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuri7p_9pm4&feature=related Chris Christie vs. Teachers Unions]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ksLlAi3iIc&feature=related Governor Christie: Not About Teachers]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkv6uo5nZDM&feature=related Governor Christie on Hannity]

==References==
{{reflist|1}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Christie, Christopher}}
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[category:Fiscal Conservatives]]
[[category:New Jersey Governors]]
[[category:Republican Governors]]
[[Category:The 100 Americans The Left Hates Most]]

Chris Christie

2012-01-24T15:39:40Z

1360Hindy: /* Notable Endorsements */

{{Officeholder
|name=Chris Christie
|image=Chris-christie3.jpg
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Mary Pat Christie
|religion=Roman Catholic
|offices=
{{Officeholder/governor
|state=New Jersey
|terms=January 19, 2010 - Present
|preceded=[[Jon Corzine]]
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
}}

'''Christopher Christie''' (born September 6, 1962 in Newark, New Jersey) is the 55th and current Governor of [[New Jersey]], having won in the 2009 election by a 49%-45% margin over incumbent [[Democrat]] [[Jon Corzine]]. A [[Republican]], previously Christie served as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey.

Having declined to run for president in 2012, Christie is a leading contender to be picked for Vice President. He could attract [[Catholic]] voters nationwide, as well as Irish and Italian American voters, which could help carry [[Pennsylvania]]. However, doubts remain among some conservative voters concerning his commitment to fighting the rise of [[Sharia law]] and the Islamization of America.<ref>See comments posted at http://conservativebyte.com/2011/08/chris-christie-blasts-crazies-after-appointing-muslim-judge-the-sharia-law-business-is-just-crap/</ref>

Christie is a [[PLINO]].

==Biography==

Prior to his election as governor, Christie's only elected experience was serving on the Morris County board of Freeholders from 1995-1998. His colleagues praised him as effective, such as requiring as policy that the freeholder board go out for three quotations even on no-bid contracts. They also noted that he was unusually ambitious, when he unsuccessfully ran for State Assembly just two months into his term. <ref>http://www.politickernj.com/max/26275/political-career-three-parts-chris-christie-freeholder</ref> During his tenure in office county taxes decreased by 6.6%. <ref>http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/gop_candidate_chris_christie_l.html</ref>

After serving as a top fundraiser for [[George W. Bush]]'s 2000 presidential campaign, the [[Bush administration]] appointed Christie as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey and served from 2002-2008. He was also one of the 17 U.S. Attorneys on [[Attorney General]] [[Alberto Gonzales]]'s advisory commitee. Christie's most high profile prosecutions included State Senator and [[Newark]] Mayor Sharpe James for mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiring to rig the sale of nine city lots to his mistress. <ref>[http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/04/newark_ex_mayor_sharpe_james_convicted.html] Mayor James convicted</ref> He also led the felony conviction of State Senator Wayne Brant of mail and wire fraud, and bribery for soliciting a job at the School of Osteopathic Medicine. <ref>http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/topstories/index.ssf/2008/11/exlawmaker_bryant_guilty_of_br.html</ref> As attorney, Christie won convictions or guilty pleas from over 130 public officials, without losing a single case.

Christie's service as a prosecutor had an influence in [[national security]], when he led the team that prosecuted Hemant Lakhani, who had the desire to broker the sale of shoulder-fired missiles to shoot down American passenger jets. <ref>http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-6229181-details/%27Del+Boy%27+trader+on+arms+charge/article.do;jsessionid=2F40D75F1AFD0FA79E8E876DCB944F88</ref> When leaving office in December 2008 he was praised by every major newspaper in New Jersey. The Philadelphia Inquirer editorialized "Christie has already done more good for New Jersey than some previous governors." The [[New York Times]] wrote that Christie "won widespread admiration for his aggressive fight against political corruption." <ref>http://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=14677&ShowAllPoll=Y</ref>

Even Governor Corzine, Christie's opponent in the gubernatorial election praised Christie in 2005, saying "I have supported Chris Christie as being our U.S. attorney, fought for his ability to be that, endorsed what he's doing...There have been as many Republicans as Democrats who have been brought to justice because of Chris Christie. I think he's doing a great job." <ref>http://www.christiefornj.com/images/negativeattacks.pdf</ref>

==2009 Gubernatorial Campaign==
[[Image:Christiemap.jpg|thumb|right|350px|2009 Election Results]]
In the Republican primary, Christie defeated former mayor [[Steve Lonegan]].

Although a Democratic state, Christie was elected while advocating the need to downsize state [[government]] and reduce property taxes. New Jersey had faced a weakened economy, high budget deficit and a high tax burden, reslting in Corzine's defeat.

In July, Christie endorsed [[President Obama]]'s nomination of [[Sonia Sotomayor]] to the [[U.S. Supreme Court]], saying "Elections have consequences. One of those consequences are judicial appointments. While Judge Sotomayor would not have been my choice, President Obama has used his opportunity to fill a seat on the Supreme Court by choosing a nominee who has more than proven her capability, competence and ability." <ref>http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/07/gop_gov_candidate_chris_christ_3.html</ref>

Christopher Christie is pro-life:
:"I believe in the sanctity, dignity and inherent value of all human life. Hearing the heartbeat of my unborn daughter 14 years ago had a profound effect on me. I am pro-life because I believe her life and the life of every child is precious." <ref>http://www.christiefornj.com/questions-for-chris</ref>

===Notable Endorsements===
*Former [[New York City]] [[Mayor]] [[Rudy Giuliani]]
*Former [[Massachusetts]] Governor [[Mitt Romney]]
*Former New Jersey Governor [[Thomas H. Kean]]
*Economist [[Steve Forbes]]
*New Jersey Right to Life Committee <ref>http://www.lifenews.com/state4512.html</ref>

==Record as Governor==

On Christie's first day as governor he signed eight executive orders and froze several government regulations. He gave a nod to Casinos, signing an order saying that their employees are essential state workers and will not have to close in any future state government shutdown, as they were in 2006. Christie also added unions to the list of groups who cannot receive state contracts of more than $17,500 if they have donated more than $300 to a campaign for governor or county political committee in the previous 18 months.<ref>http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/new_jersey/article_63a14ff8-8038-591a-8f1a-7503e1bbcbcc.html</ref>

In February, Christie announced that he would immediately freeze all state spending. Saying New Jersey is on the verge of bankruptcy, Christie declared a fiscal emergency, announcing drastic cuts. <ref>http://wcbstv.com/local/governor.christie.freezes.2.1487727.html</ref>

On March 16, 2011, Christie announced major cuts to education to help balance the budget bloat caused by years under Democratic governors. <ref>http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2010/03/22/25559/</ref> The New Jersey Education Association hotly contested these vital cuts, as they would almost certainly require the firing of non-tenured teachers to balance local school budgets, a problem the teacher's union created in the first place. Recently, the cuts have been challenged by the Supreme court, despite there being no link between New Jersey's relatively large amount of educational spending and increased statewide academic success. <ref>http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/03/christies_school_aid_cuts_left.html</ref>

In August 2011, Christie raised controversy by dismissing legitimate concerns voters and members of the New Jersey state legislature had raised concerning his appointment of Sohail Mohammed, a Muslim attorney with a history of defending Muslims after [[September 11, 2001 attacks|9/11]], as a judge on the state bench. Christie used profanity in referring to concerns that Mohammed would institute [[Sharia law]] from his position as state judge, and called citizens concerned about the Islamization of America "crazies."<ref>http://nation.foxnews.com/chris-christie/2011/08/04/christie-defends-appointing-muslim-judge-sharia-law-business-crap</ref>

Governor Christie has endorsed a plan to to merge part of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) with Rutgers University. The plan would include UMDNJ’s New Brunswick-Piscataway campus — Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the School of Public Health and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. The change would help raise Rutgers’ profile and draw more research dollars to the state, according to the recommendations. <ref>[http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/09/umdnj-rutgers_partial_merger_r.html Gov. Christie strongly endorses partial merger of Rutgers and UMDNJ]</ref> Rutgers, one of the few state universities without its own medical school, has been lobbying for a merger since another state task force headed by former New Jersey Gov. [[Thomas Kean]] first suggested the idea in January 2011. The reorganization has an “aggressive” target date of July 1, 2012. By adding a medical school, Rutgers’ rank among universities in spending on research and development would rise dramatically<ref>[http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/12/no_time_wasted_creating_rutger.html No time is being wasted creating Rutgers medical school]</ref>

==External Links==
*[http://www.state.nj.us/governor/ Governor of New Jersey Official Site]

===Videos===
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICIa-KJeUtM&feature=related Governor Christie: Style]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evtt-R7Rmdw&feature=related Governor Christie: Day of Reckoning]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVccFQLFmUo&feature=related Conservative Governor on his "confrontational tone"]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlzA9dgZ1qM&feature=related Rush Limbaugh: Governor Chris Christie Slaughters a Liberal Reporter]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeXBlZdPENU&feature=related Governor Chris Christie For President 2012]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljIVr0dVgww&feature=related Christie Slams Teacher Unions]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuri7p_9pm4&feature=related Chris Christie vs. Teachers Unions]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ksLlAi3iIc&feature=related Governor Christie: Not About Teachers]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkv6uo5nZDM&feature=related Governor Christie on Hannity]

==References==
{{reflist|1}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Christie, Christopher}}
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[category:Fiscal Conservatives]]
[[category:New Jersey Governors]]
[[category:Republican Governors]]
[[Category:The 100 Americans The Left Hates Most]]

Chris Christie

2012-01-24T15:37:28Z

1360Hindy: /* Record as Governor */

{{Officeholder
|name=Chris Christie
|image=Chris-christie3.jpg
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Mary Pat Christie
|religion=Roman Catholic
|offices=
{{Officeholder/governor
|state=New Jersey
|terms=January 19, 2010 - Present
|preceded=[[Jon Corzine]]
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
}}

'''Christopher Christie''' (born September 6, 1962 in Newark, New Jersey) is the 55th and current Governor of [[New Jersey]], having won in the 2009 election by a 49%-45% margin over incumbent [[Democrat]] [[Jon Corzine]]. A [[Republican]], previously Christie served as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey.

Having declined to run for president in 2012, Christie is a leading contender to be picked for Vice President. He could attract [[Catholic]] voters nationwide, as well as Irish and Italian American voters, which could help carry [[Pennsylvania]]. However, doubts remain among some conservative voters concerning his commitment to fighting the rise of [[Sharia law]] and the Islamization of America.<ref>See comments posted at http://conservativebyte.com/2011/08/chris-christie-blasts-crazies-after-appointing-muslim-judge-the-sharia-law-business-is-just-crap/</ref>

==Biography==

Prior to his election as governor, Christie's only elected experience was serving on the Morris County board of Freeholders from 1995-1998. His colleagues praised him as effective, such as requiring as policy that the freeholder board go out for three quotations even on no-bid contracts. They also noted that he was unusually ambitious, when he unsuccessfully ran for State Assembly just two months into his term. <ref>http://www.politickernj.com/max/26275/political-career-three-parts-chris-christie-freeholder</ref> During his tenure in office county taxes decreased by 6.6%. <ref>http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/gop_candidate_chris_christie_l.html</ref>

After serving as a top fundraiser for [[George W. Bush]]'s 2000 presidential campaign, the [[Bush administration]] appointed Christie as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey and served from 2002-2008. He was also one of the 17 U.S. Attorneys on [[Attorney General]] [[Alberto Gonzales]]'s advisory commitee. Christie's most high profile prosecutions included State Senator and [[Newark]] Mayor Sharpe James for mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiring to rig the sale of nine city lots to his mistress. <ref>[http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/04/newark_ex_mayor_sharpe_james_convicted.html] Mayor James convicted</ref> He also led the felony conviction of State Senator Wayne Brant of mail and wire fraud, and bribery for soliciting a job at the School of Osteopathic Medicine. <ref>http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/topstories/index.ssf/2008/11/exlawmaker_bryant_guilty_of_br.html</ref> As attorney, Christie won convictions or guilty pleas from over 130 public officials, without losing a single case.

Christie's service as a prosecutor had an influence in [[national security]], when he led the team that prosecuted Hemant Lakhani, who had the desire to broker the sale of shoulder-fired missiles to shoot down American passenger jets. <ref>http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-6229181-details/%27Del+Boy%27+trader+on+arms+charge/article.do;jsessionid=2F40D75F1AFD0FA79E8E876DCB944F88</ref> When leaving office in December 2008 he was praised by every major newspaper in New Jersey. The Philadelphia Inquirer editorialized "Christie has already done more good for New Jersey than some previous governors." The [[New York Times]] wrote that Christie "won widespread admiration for his aggressive fight against political corruption." <ref>http://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=14677&ShowAllPoll=Y</ref>

Even Governor Corzine, Christie's opponent in the gubernatorial election praised Christie in 2005, saying "I have supported Chris Christie as being our U.S. attorney, fought for his ability to be that, endorsed what he's doing...There have been as many Republicans as Democrats who have been brought to justice because of Chris Christie. I think he's doing a great job." <ref>http://www.christiefornj.com/images/negativeattacks.pdf</ref>

==2009 Gubernatorial Campaign==
[[Image:Christiemap.jpg|thumb|right|350px|2009 Election Results]]
In the Republican primary, Christie defeated former mayor [[Steve Lonegan]].

Although a Democratic state, Christie was elected while advocating the need to downsize state [[government]] and reduce property taxes. New Jersey had faced a weakened economy, high budget deficit and a high tax burden, reslting in Corzine's defeat.

In July, Christie endorsed [[President Obama]]'s nomination of [[Sonia Sotomayor]] to the [[U.S. Supreme Court]], saying "Elections have consequences. One of those consequences are judicial appointments. While Judge Sotomayor would not have been my choice, President Obama has used his opportunity to fill a seat on the Supreme Court by choosing a nominee who has more than proven her capability, competence and ability." <ref>http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/07/gop_gov_candidate_chris_christ_3.html</ref>

Christopher Christie is pro-life:
:"I believe in the sanctity, dignity and inherent value of all human life. Hearing the heartbeat of my unborn daughter 14 years ago had a profound effect on me. I am pro-life because I believe her life and the life of every child is precious." <ref>http://www.christiefornj.com/questions-for-chris</ref>

===Notable Endorsements===
*Former [[New York City]] [[Mayor]] [[Rudy Giuliani]]
*Former [[Massachusetts]] Governor [[Mitt Romney]]
*Former New Jersey Governor [[Thomas Kean, Sr.]]
*Economist [[Steve Forbes]]
*New Jersey Right to Life Committee <ref>http://www.lifenews.com/state4512.html</ref>

==Record as Governor==

On Christie's first day as governor he signed eight executive orders and froze several government regulations. He gave a nod to Casinos, signing an order saying that their employees are essential state workers and will not have to close in any future state government shutdown, as they were in 2006. Christie also added unions to the list of groups who cannot receive state contracts of more than $17,500 if they have donated more than $300 to a campaign for governor or county political committee in the previous 18 months.<ref>http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/new_jersey/article_63a14ff8-8038-591a-8f1a-7503e1bbcbcc.html</ref>

In February, Christie announced that he would immediately freeze all state spending. Saying New Jersey is on the verge of bankruptcy, Christie declared a fiscal emergency, announcing drastic cuts. <ref>http://wcbstv.com/local/governor.christie.freezes.2.1487727.html</ref>

On March 16, 2011, Christie announced major cuts to education to help balance the budget bloat caused by years under Democratic governors. <ref>http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2010/03/22/25559/</ref> The New Jersey Education Association hotly contested these vital cuts, as they would almost certainly require the firing of non-tenured teachers to balance local school budgets, a problem the teacher's union created in the first place. Recently, the cuts have been challenged by the Supreme court, despite there being no link between New Jersey's relatively large amount of educational spending and increased statewide academic success. <ref>http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/03/christies_school_aid_cuts_left.html</ref>

In August 2011, Christie raised controversy by dismissing legitimate concerns voters and members of the New Jersey state legislature had raised concerning his appointment of Sohail Mohammed, a Muslim attorney with a history of defending Muslims after [[September 11, 2001 attacks|9/11]], as a judge on the state bench. Christie used profanity in referring to concerns that Mohammed would institute [[Sharia law]] from his position as state judge, and called citizens concerned about the Islamization of America "crazies."<ref>http://nation.foxnews.com/chris-christie/2011/08/04/christie-defends-appointing-muslim-judge-sharia-law-business-crap</ref>

Governor Christie has endorsed a plan to to merge part of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) with Rutgers University. The plan would include UMDNJ’s New Brunswick-Piscataway campus — Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the School of Public Health and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. The change would help raise Rutgers’ profile and draw more research dollars to the state, according to the recommendations. <ref>[http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/09/umdnj-rutgers_partial_merger_r.html Gov. Christie strongly endorses partial merger of Rutgers and UMDNJ]</ref> Rutgers, one of the few state universities without its own medical school, has been lobbying for a merger since another state task force headed by former New Jersey Gov. [[Thomas Kean]] first suggested the idea in January 2011. The reorganization has an “aggressive” target date of July 1, 2012. By adding a medical school, Rutgers’ rank among universities in spending on research and development would rise dramatically<ref>[http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/12/no_time_wasted_creating_rutger.html No time is being wasted creating Rutgers medical school]</ref>

==External Links==
*[http://www.state.nj.us/governor/ Governor of New Jersey Official Site]

===Videos===
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICIa-KJeUtM&feature=related Governor Christie: Style]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evtt-R7Rmdw&feature=related Governor Christie: Day of Reckoning]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVccFQLFmUo&feature=related Conservative Governor on his "confrontational tone"]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlzA9dgZ1qM&feature=related Rush Limbaugh: Governor Chris Christie Slaughters a Liberal Reporter]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeXBlZdPENU&feature=related Governor Chris Christie For President 2012]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljIVr0dVgww&feature=related Christie Slams Teacher Unions]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuri7p_9pm4&feature=related Chris Christie vs. Teachers Unions]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ksLlAi3iIc&feature=related Governor Christie: Not About Teachers]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkv6uo5nZDM&feature=related Governor Christie on Hannity]

==References==
{{reflist|1}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Christie, Christopher}}
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[category:Fiscal Conservatives]]
[[category:New Jersey Governors]]
[[category:Republican Governors]]
[[Category:The 100 Americans The Left Hates Most]]