Christie picks Morristown for presidential HQ

MORRISTOWN – Gov. Chris Christie has set up his presidential campaign office in his old stomping grounds, headquartered in the same town in which he began his political career as a freeholder.

While never making a formal announcement declaring as much, campaign press releases are being datelined in Morristown and a donation form on Christie’s campaign website lists a P.O. box in Morristown where people can send checks.

Chris Christie for President, Inc. confirmed that the national headquarters were located in Morristown but they declined to provide the specific location within the town.

Many in town, however, placed the HQ in a triangular building, located where Sussex Avenue meets Speedwell Avenue.

Many in Christie’s New Jersey Leadership Team are based in Morristown, including Republican Congressmen Rodney Frelinghuysen, Morris County Republican Committee Chairman John Sette, the entire Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi.

“I think it’s just great for Morris County and for Morristown, which of course was involved in the founding of our county,” Grossi said. “It’s very exciting.”

At about noon Wednesday there was no sign of the presidential campaign at the building, 164 Speedwell Ave.

Businesses located on the bottom floor of the building include Longfellow’s Deli and Sales Dollar Store. While tenants said they were aware Christie was moving in upstairs, they declined to comment.

“I just hope it doesn’t result in more traffic,” said Mark Bernitz, who works at Marty’s Reliable Cycle across the street from the headquarters.

Sette said he thought Christie’s selecting Morristown was fitting because he sees parallels between the governor and a past president with ties to the area.

“George Washington set up his headquarters here long ago,” Sette said. “Morristown was the hotbed of the Revolution and now Christie is going to lead a new revolution for the United States. It’s very exciting and I’m looking forward to his first fundraising campaign in New Jersey next week.”

Grossi said a presidential candidate has never set up shop in Morris County.

“It’s long overdue and I’m glad he’s going to be there,” Grossi said. “I’m happy we have a candidate like Governor Christie running. He’s exactly what this country needs.”

While Akin Jackson, 45, of Hackensack, doesn’t approve of Christie’s presidential run, he doesn’t mind the governor choosing Morristown for his campaign headquarters.

“I don’t like Christie as governor so I certainly don’t like him running for president,” said Jackson, who was walking on the Green at lunchtime. “But he has to pick somewhere.”

Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty, a Democrat, had not heard about the location of the headquarters but said he wishes everyone the best of luck.

“Obviously the governor is a Morris County resident, and he’s well aware Morristown is renowned for its historical significance and its gracious hospitality,” Dougherty said. “After all, George Washington slept here.”

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com