TRENTON - Gov. Chris Christie said Tuesday afternoon he met with the state's Democratic and Republican leaders and was reassured by them they would put politics aside during the rebuilding following Hurricane Sandy.

He said there may be legislation put forward focusing on such issues as long-term housing for displaced residents, power restoration in the barrier islands, infrastructure and beach protection. Christie said he has met with consulting groups and will seek information and expertise from staff from the governors of Louisiana and Mississippi, which saw massive devastation following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

He expects residents and other groups to tap in to many state and federal resources to get them through. He said a "mobile cabinet" will be assembled in four counties Thursday, where officials from the Department of Banking and Insurance will go to hard-hit communities to provide a "direct link" to such things as access to capital.

"This is the beginning of a long period of rebuilding," he said. "We recognize this won't be easy."