
Chris Christie has built his political career on his reputation as a
straight shooter who never waffles, let alone flip-flops. But he’s set
himself up for a barrage of abuse from some conservatives after
his announcement during a gubernatorial debate
earlier this week when he announced that he had changed his position on
allowing illegal immigrants to get in-state tuition benefits at New
Jersey public colleges. This is a clear departure from his past stands
on this issue or on those involving any benefits for illegals. That
pretty much guarantees that anti-immigration forces will be accusing him
of being a second Mitt Romney should he jump into the 2016 presidential
race. But, Christie who is clearly carving out a niche for himself in
the center of his party on a variety of issues may not care.
Like his embrace of President Obama last fall in the aftermath of
Hurricane Sandy, Christie’s “evolution” on immigration is bound to
infuriate many Republicans but it is also good politics in terms of his
re-election. With a lead over his Democratic opponent that ranges from
the mid- to the high 20’s, Christie has few worries in terms of his
chances of getting a second term in Trenton. But the governor also
understands that tilting more to the center on immigration probably
suits his 2016 plans better than sticking to his previous position on
the issue.
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