Is Chris Christie a Planned Parenthood-loving, Sonia Sotomayor-supporting liberal in Republican clothing? That's how Marco Rubio sought to paint the New Jersey governor in Thursday night's Republican debate. Christie denied both outright from the stage.
The truth — at least on the Planned Parenthood claim — is murkier. Rubio first made the charge last week, saying of Christie, "He made a personal contribution to Planned Parenthood." Christie promptly denied it on Face the Nation. But NJ.com reported earlier this week that it was Christie's own words coming back to haunt him.
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"I support Planned Parenthood privately with my personal contribution and that should be the goal of any such agency, to find private donations," The Star-Ledger reported Christie as saying in 1994, while running for local office. "It's also no secret that I am pro-choice." That reporter now works for Christie as a spokesman, according to NJ.com.
As for Sotomayor, the evidence on that is clearer. He said at the time, "After watching and listening to Judge Sotomayor's performance at the confirmation hearings this week, I am confident that she is qualified for the position of Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court." He added, "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. I support her appointment to the Supreme Court and urge the Senate to keep politics out of the process and confirm her nomination."