TRENTON – It was a show of bipartisan strength in the aftermath of super storm Sandy.

Legislative leaders from both sides of the aisle met today with Gov. Chris Christie and, according to the governor, agreed to set aside partisan differences and focus on the overriding issue of rebuilding New Jersey.

The meeting included Democratic leaders Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver and Senate President Steve Sweeney as well as GOP leaders Sen. Tom Kean Jr. and Assemblyman Jon Bramnick.

“I think the governor showed pretty strong leadership,’’ Bramnick said today, “and I think the public in general was impressed.  I think the people around that table (who met today) think so, too."

Bramnick said that Christie showed leadership by being present at the state police operations center and cutting through bureaucracy to make decisions at the height of the storm and during its aftermath.

Christie indicated during today’s press briefing that meeting with the legislative leadership was a signal of starting to return to the next phase of business.

“It was important that he met with us and we will report back to our caucuses,’’ Bramnick said. 

He added that the meeting did not deal with specifics, but rather was a general overview  of how the state will move forward.

Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver issued a statement of support after the meeting.

"The Assembly has always been committed to working together with everyone to ensure the storm recovery and rebuilding goes as smoothly and quickly as possible, with everyone on the same page, so it was nice to hear the governor shares the same commitment.

“Assembly members continue to meet daily with constituents back in their districts to hear their concerns first-hand and resolve as many problems as they can, and we’ll continue to do that as we move forward with a thoughtful recovery plan."

Bramnick indicated there will come a time when future gubernatorial opponents, whoever they may be, will want to start their campaigns and become partisan again, but that’s for another day. “I think the meeting today was cordial and supportive,” he said.