January 25, 2016
Chris Christie shot back at a woman who questioned him about the flooding in New Jersey during a town hall meeting Monday, sarcastically asking her is she him wanted to bring some janitorial equipment down to remedy the situation.
PHOTOS: Winter storm brings heavy flooding to the Jersey Shore
According to ABC News, the exchange occurred in Hooksett, New Hampshire, at an event held for the governor’s presidential campaign.
The woman, a student who attended school in New Jersey, said she had lots of friends and family in the state who were wondering why Christie wasn't there for the cleanup efforts after Winter Storm Jonas brought severe flooding to South Jersey.
WATCH: Drone footage shows success of shore town's dunes against blizzard
Christie responded by saying the cleanup was "done," and when the woman wasn't pleased with that answer, he said, "Do you want me to go down there with a mop?" A video of the encounter can be viewed below:
The governor argued the woman's assertion that the flooding was occurring all over the state, saying it was isolated to Cape May County. ABC reports that Christie got the numbers of her friends and family, saying he'd personally call them to hear their concerns.
Christie had originally planned to stay on the campaign trail despite the incoming storm, but eventually changed his mind and returned to New Jersey and declared a state of emergency.
Many residents criticized Christie returning to the campaign quickly after the storm ended Sunday, as some claim the residual effects from the flooding are quite serious.
Christie acted baffled by those critics -- who he was unsure even existed -- saying that the flooding had receded and said damage didn't occur. More from the Huffington Post:
"I don't even know what critics you're talking about," Christie said in response to a question from The Huffington Post's Sam Stein on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" on Monday. "There is no residual damage. There is no residual flooding damage. All the flooding receded yesterday morning."
"I have not heard any of that criticism, I have not seen any of that criticism, and I think you're just making it up," he added.
It is still unclear the exact financial toll the flooding took on many of the shore towns that were impacted.
