Police: Christie's helicopter ride didn't cost taxpayers

The New Jersey State Police flew to Gov. Chris Christie’s defense against Democratic lawmakers yesterday concerning his use of a government helicopter, at a cost of about $2,500, to attend his son’s baseball game Tuesday.

The pols blasted the Republican governor, an outspoken opponent of government waste, for using a new, $12.5 million State Police chopper for personal use. Christie also attended a dinner Tuesday night with Iowa businessmen courting him — apparently unsuccessfully — to run for president.

“To use these vehicles to shuttle between both a personal and a political activity is an outright abuse of taxpayer dollars,” said Democratic Assemb. Joan Quigley.

State Police Superintendent Rick Fuentes said the ride bore no additional cost to taxpayers because the choppers would have been flown anyway for training purposes.

A Christie spokesman said helicopters have been used by previous governors and would continue to be used in a “judicious” manner.