Star Ledger Stenography

by: Jason Springer

Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 10:00:00 AM EDT

The internal memo from the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services, dated July 6, lists programs for education, unemployment insurance, transportation and other areas that required the state to meet certain standards to receive money from President Obama's $787 billion recovery plan.

"This partisan report doesn't change the fact that stimulus money with strings attached leads to mandated programs that will continue even when the federal money runs out," Christie spokeswoman Maria Comella said.

The media has an extremely vital role to play, but they have to make sure they report past the talking points. Especially if the talking points completely contradict the story they've already told. I would hope for more in future stories, because Christie will continue to do this if sees he can get away with it.