TAKEN DOWN A PEG

A prolific fundraiser for GOP officials and candidates across the country, Christie has taken on a leadership role with the Republican Governor's Association. But the brewing scandals threaten to tarnish that reputation and Christie's national appeal.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed the bridge closure scandal had taken a toll on Christie's image, with 26 percent of those asked saying they were now less favorable toward him, compared with 3 percent, who said they were more favorable, and 49 percent, whose view was the same.

More respondents believed he had a hand in the scandal, with 31 percent saying they thought he was aware his staff intentionally caused the traffic jam, compared with 28 percent, who said they believed his statements that he was in the dark.

The poll included responses from 986 people contacted January 10-14 and had a credibility interval of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points.

The poll showed Christie with effectively equal support from Republicans and independents among possible GOP candidates, backed by 18 percent of those asked, narrowly leading Congressman Paul Ryan, who was favored by 17 percent of respondents, according to results from 771 polled January 10-14. That result had a credibility interval of plus or minus 4.1 percentage points.

Democrats, who control both houses of the New Jersey state legislature, have called a special session to address the traffic scandal.

Meanwhile, a New Jersey Democrat has requested a federal probe into the use of storm relief funds for an advertising campaign, intended to draw visitors back to the Jersey Shore, that featured Christie as he was seeking re-election.

In a brief press conference following Christie's speech, the state's Democratic leadership laid out their policy differences with Christie on issues ranging from the state pension to tax cuts. But they also echoed Christie's message that officials needed to get on with the business of the state.

"We know everyone's fascinated by Bridgegate," Louis Greenwald, the assembly Democratic leader, said in response to a series of questions about the scandal. "New Jersey continued to fall behind neighboring states and to languish."