Christie Says GOP Must Control "Voting Mechanisms" Ahead of 2016

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says that Republican governors need to win in 2014 so that they can control the "voting mechanisms" ahead of the 2016 presidential race.

"Would you rather have Rick Scott in Florida overseeing the voting mechanism, or Charlie Crist?" Christie asked a gathering of a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Group, referring to the Florida's Republican and Democratic gubernatorial candidates, respectively. "Would you rather have Scott Walker in Wisconsin overseeing the voting mechanism, or would you rather have Mary Burke?"

Christie has been campaigning for both Scott and Walker, among other GOP gubernatorial candidates, in his role as chair of the Republican Governors' Association.

In recent years, Republicans have favored policies that include restricting early voting opportunities and mandated voter ID laws. The GOP says the measures prevent voter fraud, while Democrats complain that the initiatives suppress turnout from minorities and poorer citizens. 

"This was more of a message to an audience that would get the idea that, 'Hey, we need to be sure that we control the voting appartus in 2016,'" said Herb Jackson, Washington correspondent for The Record. "'That's why it's important that you help me get these Republicans elected in these states.'"