Former Gov. Whitman: Vote For Women, Minorities and Chris Christie

Former Gov. Christie Todd Whitman urged attendees at the Bergen County Women's Republican Club's 90th anniversary celebration Wednesday to vote for minorities, women and Gov. Chris Christie. 

"We need people with different life experiences, with different ways of thinking, to be at that [decision-making] table," Whitman said during her keynote address at Seasons in Washington Township.

Whitman, New Jersey's first and only female governor, said she supported more women and citizens from minority groups running for office and also voiced support for Governor Christie in his run for re-election against Democrat Sen. Barbara Buono. 

Whitman pointed to Christie’s willingness to work across party lines.

"We really can set the pace for the nation," Whitman said, adding she "couldn't be more frustrated" with the partisan politics "at both sides of the table" in Washington.

"I don't elect politicians to represent my party," Whitman said. "I elect them to represent me."

She also praised Christie's work for Hurricane Sandy recovery.

"We have a governor who has shown the people of New Jersey that he wants to get things done," Whitman said.

Wednesday's event was the second time Whitman has addressed the Bergen County Women's Republican Club. She previously spoke at the group's annual luncheon in 1997 during her term as governor.

Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Jim Leggate at Jim.Leggate@patch.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.