Gov. Chris Christie is still being dogged by the Hoboken and George Washington Bridge scandals, but most people wouldn't have known that by listening to his inaugural address on Tuesday.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (L) is sworn in by Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court Stuart Rabner for his second term
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (L) is sworn in by Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court Stuart Rabner for his second term (Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
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The governor touted bipartisanship and his landslide gubernatorial victory, but completely ignored the dual controversies now threatening his presidential hopes.

"Today, once again, the people of New Jersey have given me the opportunity to serve," Christie said in his 18-minute speech. "I thank each and every citizen for that honor. And once again, I have taken an oath where I have sworn to promote the peace and prosperity of our great state and its citizens. It is an oath that I have lived by for the last four years. It is the oath I will live by for every day I am privileged to call myself your governor."

In his address, the governor focused on growing the economy, improving education, helping the middle class and those struggling with addiction. Christie also assailed the partisan gridlock in Washington, D.C. and vowed to stand by his principles in his second term, while also remaining willing to compromise.

A recession and natural disasters are challenges New Jersey has faced since he took office, Christie said. He thinks the state and the people who live here are stronger as a result.

"Each one of these challenges has been met by a new, unified force in public life; a New Jersey setting the tone for an entire nation," Christie said. "A tough New Jersey. A resilient New Jersey. A proud New Jersey. A New Jersey that has put aside political partisanship on the important issues to our people to take advantage of the opportunities each of these challenges has presented us with every day. A New Jersey that has brought pride to our people and leadership to our country."

A joint committee in the state legislature is looking into claims that Christie aides orchestrated the closure of access lanes to the George Washington Bridge causing major traffic jams in September in Fort Lee. The allegation is that the decision was made as a form of political retribution against the town's mayor, for not endorsing the governor's re-election bid.

Unlike in his State of the State address last week, the governor made no mention of the scandal.

The governor also chose not to talk about another controversy sparked by Democratic Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer's claims that Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno threatened to hold back Sandy relief money to Hoboken, unless Zimmer approved a development project that was important to Christie. Guadagno has adamantly denied the allegation, but Zimmer is standing by her story.

"We are at the dawn of a new age of pride and growth in our state and its people," Christie said. "I believe in you, New Jersey, and I always, always will."


Courtesy Governor's Office

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