Christie endorsed by Republican he prosecuted

A Republican leader who was prosecuted five years ago by Christopher Christie has now endorsed the former U.S. Attorney for Governor.

“I think Chris Christie is the right direction for the party go in right now. I am looking forward to working with people who really want to work to get all Republicans moving in a positive direction and  who are willing to commit to making Republicans winners again,” said Peter Murphy, a former Passaic County Republican Party Chairman who now serves as the Totowa GOP Muncipal Chairman.

A few weeks ago, Christie declined an invitation to attend a dinner last night hosted by Murphy. Murphy and Michael Mecca, a former Freeholder and County Chairman, have organized a group that opposes the leadership of the incumbent Chairman, Assemblyman Scott Rumana (R-Wayne).

According to a statement released by the organizers of the dinner, Christie "was invited but called to say he could not attend - but he did say he looked forward to meeting with the group at a later date."  Two other candidates, former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan and Assemblyman Rick Merkt (R-Mendham), did attend.  

Rumana  is also expected to back Christie, as is his chief political ally, State Sen. Kevin O'Toole (R-Cedar Grove), the Essex County Republican Chairman.  By backing Christie, Murphy eliminates the possibility that the gubernatorial primary could be a test of electoral strength between the two rival Republican organizations.

Seven months before Christie became U.S. Attorney, Murphy was convicted for his role in helping a company obtain a medical services contract for the county jail with the understanding that proceeds of the contract would go to a four politically active individuals he selected.  He was sentenced to 43 months in prison and served nearly a year before the U.S. Court of Appeals ordered his release while they considered his appeal.  The Third Circuit overturned his conviction in May 2003.  

Just before his new trial was to begin, Murphy pleaded guilty today to mail fraud and was sentenced to eleven-and-a-half months in prison - the time he had already served.

"We are pleased with the end result here - that Mr. Murphy served a considerable amount of time in prison for crimes which he has finally acknowledged committing as Republican party chairman in Passaic County," Christie said in a November 7, 2003 statement. "For those crimes, Mr. Murphy has lost his prestige and power, nearly a year of freedom and now is a convicted felon."