The Twitterverse Takes on Gov. Christie; We Sort of Sit Back and Watch

Ever had one of those conversations that just didn't quite go the way you expected?

Thursday night on #NJPatchChat—Patch's statewide Twitter chat on big issues with local impacts—we expected to explore how New Jerseyans felt about our president, Barack Obama; our senator, Robert Menendez; and our governor, Chris Christie.

Turns out everyone wanted to talk about our plainspoken and often-controversial governor, and his bullish (or bullheaded, if you're on that side of the debate) plans for New Jersey. Every time we tried to ask how our Democratic leaders were doing, the conversation turned back to Chrisite.

But hey, so long as there's a lively and interesting debate, we don't mind.

Certainly the most vocal of Thursday night's tweeters were LoriKillion, generally critical of Christie's approach, and returning #NJPatchChater CaptRepublican, as in the governor's corner as his name would suggest.

LoriKillion, in particular, took exception with the governor's approach to education. She told us: "#ChrisChristie=Worse education. Vouchers, merrit pay, are U kidding me?" CaptRepublican, on the other hand, says Christie's the man to cure what ails the Garden State: "NJ is in a critical time. Decades of sins need to be absolved & solved before we can move forward. @GovChristie understands."

The debate went on for some time—even after our own Twitter account ducked out.

How do you feel? Read the transcript below (you'll have to read from the bottom up, since Twitter searches return the most recent results first) and tell us in the comments: How's Christie doing for New Jersey?

And hey, if you want to share an opinion on Obama or Mendendez, we'd love to hear that too.

NJPatchChat For Thursday, Feb. 10

gottsled RT @MotownRip: There r so many other wasteful layers, redundancies, and waste to focus on before teachers should be cut. #njpatchchat

LoriKillion @DefeatNJBullies #NJpatchchat Thanks. I just see my hubby always working hard (in summer, too) & must fight for him & teachers like him.

LoriKillion @knightofgood @GovChristie @FLGovScott#NJpatchchat Well spoken! That's exactly how I feel.

LoriKillion @HopelessInNJ @CaptRepublican @GovChristie#NJpatchchat I agree. I feel #ChrisChristie only made waves because of recession.

LoriKillion @HopelessInNJ #NJpatchchat I'm not attacking supers but some make over $350k per year yet ppl go after a few teachers making $65k.

LoriKillion RT @stopthefreezeNJ: @LoriKillion @NJPatchChat@bluejersey @CaptRepublican @kpenney3 @7 Here video of gov's ed reform sherpa @Dyrnw… (cont) http://deck.ly/~l3ygW

LoriKillion RT @stopthefreezeNJ: @LoriKillion @NJPatchChat@bluejersey @CaptRepublican @kpenney3 @7 Gov has a parade of unqualified ed officials/appointees driving policy

LoriKillion @stopthefreezeNJ @NJPatchChat @bluejersey@CaptRepublican @kpenney3 #NJpatchchat argument that choice automatically makes things better.

LoriKillion @stopthefreezeNJ @NJPatchChat @bluejersey@CaptRepublican @kpenney3 #NJpatchchat The fact that many charter schools fail contradicts the

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat from getting fired unnecessarily. Other jobs have unions, too for good reason.

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat Sorry. I guess my wings broke bc for 1st time couldn't tweet back! But unions protect teachers

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat where I live based on the school district in case of having kids. Ppl shld think of that 1st.

CaptRepublican @LoriKillion @GovChristie is not blaming teachers. We need to change this perception. Unions are not their members. #njpatchchat

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat where I live based on the school district in case of having kids. Ppl shld think of that before

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat another pub skl, or can pay lots $ for PVT. Shld all skls be good, yes, but not realistic. I chose

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat Like I said parents already have choices: send to own pub skl, if not good pay a bit to go to

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat the prob. Change policy but be fair & realistic. I guess we can agree to disagree?

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat of a broken system. All I ask is 4 ppl to not be so quick to blame teachers as they aren't the

CaptRepublican @LoriKillion @CaptRepublican that's what@GovChristie is trying to do, but at the same time the system must have choice. #njpatchchat

Carolde RT @CaptRepublican: NJ is in a critical time. Decades of sins need to be absolved & solved before we can move forward.@GovChristie understands. #njpatchchat

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie $NJpatchchat Here's an article on Merit Pay U may find interesting:http://tinyurl.com/ydkwgz

CaptRepublican NJ is in a critical time. Decades of sins need to be absolved & solved before we can move forward. @GovChristieunderstands. #njpatchchat

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat repair some of our pub skls.

DefeatNJBullies RT @LoriKillion: @CaptRepublican @GovChristie#NJpatchchat vouchers for PVT skls how about taking them for sp ed type help? Competition isn't the answer.

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat The probs have been there w/ no one to care to help. But I feel Christie is trying to save $, not

CaptRepublican @LoriKillion if not for @GovChristie the discussion regarding education reform would not have begun until it was irreparable. #njpatchchat

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchatvouchers for PVT skls how about taking them for sp ed type help? Competition isn't the answer.

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat away from teachers he pounds the hammer for an addl inch more. Instead of taking donations for

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat wasn't mediating. Union hired a mediator, tried to compromise, & nothing. Plus every inch he takes

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat Wish hub was home instead of skl to help on this one but I believe the fight was because Christie

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican #NJpatchchat It shld involve other factors & if #Christie includes all of them then would be fair.

CaptRepublican @LoriKillion that is a discussion point. The point is that the discussion must be had. The issue is coming to a head.#njpatchchat

CaptRepublican @LoriKillion and that is where dialog should become critical. Now union wants to fight @GovChristie instead of discussing it. #njpatchchat

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican #NJpatchchat U can put ur all in but still up to the student if he wants to succeed. Kids & parents need to be more resp

CaptRepublican @LoriKillion that's the fiction. If merit is only based on grades then you are right, but merit invokes other factors TBD#njpatchchat

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat 1st place, etc.. So many factors as to why a tchr is great, good, or poor. Must give weight to all

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat Maybe the kid doesn't work & got the grade he deserved, maybe he shouldn't be in AP class in the

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat UR fired! There's more to it than that & deciding who gets paid ? based on kid's grades is wrong.

CaptRepublican @LoriKillion & for the benefit of the vast majority, merit pay makes sense. Teachers putting giving all should be better paid. #njpatchchat

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat It's not blk/wht like a sales thing. U just can't say a certain amt of students got below a C so

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat of parents and children sometimes mixed w/politics. And how does Christie plan on eval teachers?

CaptRepublican @NJPatchChat missing the mark would be an unfair characterization, but the NJ budget can be cut even further.#njpatchchat

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat But there are very few bad ones. Yes get them out but they aren't really the prob. Usually it's a

CaptRepublican @LoriKillion being a good teacher us a very tough job. Being a bad one is easy. @GovChristie knows the difference.#njpatchchat

NJPatchChat ... but as always, feel free to continue the#njpatchchat among yourselves. we'll have transcripts on the sites Fri.

NJPatchChat OK, folks, we're around the hour mark, so we're gonna wrap up #njpatchchat for the night ...

CaptRepublican @NJPatchChat that's a good question. I'm thinking.... #njpatchchat

MorrisPatch #njpatchchat And he replied "I'm not ready to be president"

LoriKillion @NJPatchChat #NJpatchchat I wish Obama would be more open & say what really thinking.

Jencohn201 RT @LoriKillion: @CaptRepublican @GovChristie#NJpatchchat Guess we'll have to wait & see. Just hope we don't lose teachers. I wouldn't want to become 1 now.

LoriKillion @MorrisPatch #NJpatchchat Ur right & that's why I'm hearing whispers of presidency. Somebody stop the madness!

LoriKillion @NJPatchChat #NJpatchchat To hubby dismay I agree-stop pensions for new teachers. Current ones already paid into it. Just can't afford now

MorrisPatch #njpatchchat Christie knows you can't always reason with the opposition

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristiehas #NJpatchchat & babysit NJ kids. If ppl think such an easy cushy high paying job then do it & find out wrong

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristiehas #NJpatchchatWhat about his cabinet then? Nice to go after teachers who don't get paid much already to teach

NJPatchChat Here's one for you: If Obama could pick up one habit from Christie, what should it be (or is there one at all)? #njpatchchat

LoriKillion @MotownRip #NJpatchchat Hallelujiah! I think U should take over now... :)

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican #NJpatchchat U already have options. Go to ur pub skl, pay some to go to another pub school, pay more for PVT. U have choice

NJPatchChat @motownrip confident the gov is picking the right priorities first there? #njpatchchat

DefeatNJBullies RT @LoriKillion: @CaptRepublican @GovChristie#NJpatchchat Guess we'll have to wait & see. Just hope we don't lose teachers. I wouldn't want to become 1 now.

MorrisPatch #njpatchchat To people outside NJ who only catch news clips Christie looks like stereotypical Jersey Guy -kicking butt and taking down names

NJPatchChat reverse ? for @lorikillion -- as much as you dislike christie, anywhere you think he's right on point? #njpatchchat

CaptRepublican @LoriKillion 100% correct and @GovChristiehastaken a stand on rooting out obscene administrator fees.#njpatchchat

MotownRip There r so many other wasteful layers, redundancies, and waste to focus on before teachers should be cut. #njpatchchat

NJPatchChat @captrepublican you're obviously a big Christie fan. Anything you think he's missed the mark on tho? #njpatchchat

DefeatNJBullies IMPORTANT& Ugly links: #edreform @GovChristie@CoryBooker ,who's"stock soared in circles of selfish wealth"http://is.gd/MIDnJY #njpatchchat

CaptRepublican @LoriKillion its not about TAKING money. Its about giving PARENTS options as to where THEIR money is spent on THEIR children. #njpatchchat

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat Guess we'll have to wait & see. Just hope we don't lose teachers. I wouldn't want to become 1 now.

NJPatchChat not everyone goes for the blunt style. some can't get enough of it. #njpatchchat

CaptRepublican @LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie does know. The problem is that there ate too many people in denial.#njpatchchat

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat Let's start w/ reducing ridiculous salaries which go to most superintendents & gov officials.

CaptRepublican @GovChristie not taking the path of typical politician#. He is being honest about what is wrong & putting forth genuine change. #njpatchchat

NJPatchChat So on Christie, he's certainly been a very visible leader. Improved or hurt NJ on the national stage? #njpatchchat

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican @GovChristie #NJpatchchat Nothing wrong w/ telling it how it is if U really know what ur talking about & how to try & fix it

NJPatchChat Man ... you guys really want to stick to Christie as the subject, don't you ... #njpatchchat. OK, give the people what they want ...

CaptRepublican @GovChristie is spearheading the effort to rid corruption in the state with PVSC being one example. I feel better about NJ. #njpatchchat

MotownRip @NJPatchChat. Obamacare, increased spending, increased regulation, anti-business, redistributionists

NJPatchChat right now, menendez's page highlights tax relief, lending & boosts for small biz, efforts on lockerbie. #njpatchchat

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican #NJpatchchat Taking money away, encouraging use of PVT schools, vouchers, & merrit pay aren't the answers though.

CaptRepublican @GovChristie is a leader who is not trepidatious about telling us what is what and how to fix it. He's not a dream Weaver. #njpatchchat

LoriKillion @CaptRepublican #NJpatchchat Good comment. Equality shld be among the district & we shld try for the state.

NJPatchChat @lorikillion, no problem. sometimes our fingers get away from us when we're writing passionately :) #njpatchchat

CaptRepublican @GovChristie was right to kill ARC & now NJ has the opp to advance transit issues w/out billions in liability to NJ residents #njpatchchat

NJPatchChat @MotownRip ... what's your biggest objection to Obama @ Menendez? #njpatchchat

LoriKillion @NJPatchChat #NJPatchChat Sorry. Takes a while to type & when done realized we're over Christie. My appologizies.

NJPatchChat has Menendez been a powerful voice for NJ? Representing us well on the national stage? #NJPatchChat

MotownRip Obama & Manendez get low marks from me, Christie is making the hard choices NJ needs. #njpatchchat

CaptRepublican The reality is that education in NJ must be reformed & reformulated to reflect equity among districts.#njpatchchat

NJPatchChat ok, yes, but moving onto our question about menendez ... #njpatchchat

LoriKillion @NJPatchChat #NJPatchChat how effective cause it's apples to oranges. Not equal comparison & why teachers against vouchers.

LoriKillion @NJPatchChat #NJPatchChat Ur taking $ away from pub schools to schools/programs to only benefit some, not everybody. Can't judge to see..

CaptRepublican @GovChristie making decisions to keep pensions intact & lessen the burden on taxpayers. #njpatchchat

LoriKillion @NJPatchChat #NJ PatchChat those already going there. Leaves the most challenging expensive to educate spec needs type students for pub sks

NJPatchChat welcome back, @captrepublican #njpatchchat

NJPatchChat Specifically, Menendez (we'll move onto Obama in a minute). How's our senator & longtime dem presence doing for nj?#NJPatchChat

LoriKillion @NJPatchChat #NJPatchChat School choice is a right but stuff like vouchers don't help the poor that really want to learn. They help

CaptRepublican @NJPatchChat these tough times require a tough fiscal steward. @GovChristie is the right person to get us untangled.#njpatchchat

NJPatchChat Moving on from Chris Christie for the moment, would like to hear how folks feel our Dem leaders are doing. #njpatchchat

LoriKillion @NJPatchChat #njpatchchat SAT scores U can't eval teachers based on these or final grades.

LoriKillion @NJPatchChat #njpatchchat #ChrisChristie=Worse education. Vouchers, merrit pay, are U kidding me? Just like U can't eval a student based on

NJPatchChat So I'm guessing the anti-Christiefolk on #njpatchchattonight might have a more favorable view of Dems Obama & Menendez?

NJPatchChat No one yelling "yes" on that last question#njpatchchat ...

stopthefreezeNJ @NJPatchChat Here's the whole thing, it's chock full of interesting content. 28 min. Enjoy. http://bit.ly/gA2P7z#NJPatchChat

NJPatchChat So do we have any @GovChristie fans on the line?#njpatchchat

MorrisPatch #njpatchchat He has psychological impact, like Reagan, of making some groups feel really good about selves and sending others into a tizzy.

NJPatchChat @stopthefreezeNJ, in fairness, hard to get much from a few seconds in an edited clip. #njpatchchat

LoriKillion @NJPatchChat #njpatchchat SS. It's nice that they existed but seem unrealistic now. Just don't mess w/existing accts as they were paid into.

TomsRiverPatch On a related Christie subject: State's Bond Rating Slips; Toms River, NJ Patch http://t.co/JHfVsB7 #njpatchchat

NJPatchChat @stopthefreezeNJ, for your tweets to be seen as part of the chat, got to include #njpatchchat with the # in it

LoriKillion @NJPatchChat @GovChristie #njpatchchat However, I do agree to stop pensions for newbies. We can't afford those anymore & feel the same about

stopthefreezeNJ @NJPatchChat scapegoating teachers, sabotaging public ed, foisting bad ed policy on NJ families/children, the list goes on.

LoriKillion @LoriKillion @NJPatchChat @bluejersey@CaptRepublican @stopthefreezeNJ @kpenney3 @7 Can U pls read my tweets from 1/23? #njpatchchat

stopthefreezeNJ @LoriKillion @NJPatchChat @bluejersey@CaptRepublican @kpenney3 @7 Here video of gov's ed reform sherpa @Dyrnw… (cont) http://deck.ly/~l3ygW

NJPatchChat welcome, @MorrisPatch to #njpatchchat

NJPatchChat So two non-fans of @govchristie on the #njpatchchatline here. What would you each say your biggest objection to the gov.?

MorrisPatch Hi #NJPatchChat

stopthefreezeNJ @LoriKillion @NJPatchChat @bluejersey@CaptRepublican @kpenney3 @7 Gov has a parade of unqualified ed officials/appointees driving policy

NJPatchChat welcome to @njpatchchat @stopthefreezeNJ

stopthefreezeNJ @NJPatchChat @bluejersey @CaptRepublican@LoriKillion @kpenney3 Gov. has failed to produce evidence to back his claims on charter schools

NJPatchChat @lorikillion so overall, guessing not a big fan of@GovChristie (use #njpatchchat with the # in your answer for others to see it)

LoriKillion @NJPatchChat @bluejersey @CaptRepublican@stopthefreezeNJ @kpenney3 @7 salaries that are way too high but don't screw the teachers for that.

NJPatchChat @lorikillion welcome to #njpatchchat. so since you jumped in, guess we'll start on the christie part of the chat

LoriKillion @NJPatchChat @bluejersey @CaptRepublican@stopthefreezeNJ @kpenney3 @7 salary or the salary of those on his team? I do feel super's can make

LoriKillion @NJPatchChat @bluejersey @CaptRepublican@stopthefreezeNJ @kpenney3 @7 Yes, strong views. He wants to keep tchrs down but what about his

NJPatchChat Our first quest. of the night, a softball: Who's had the biggest impact on NJ this past year? Christie, Obama or Menendez?#NJPatchchat

NJPatchChat And as always, search for hashtag #njpatchchat to follow along with the convo.

NJPatchChat OK all, welcome to this week's #NJPatchChat. Can we get our show of virtual hands? Say "hi" and use #NJPatchChat(with the #) in your post

NJPatchChat #NJpatchchat starts in 2-3 minutes! Talking about Christie, Obama, Menendez. Deets: http://patch.com/A-dXm0

Using #NJPatchChat:

Head to Twitter.com and search for #njpatchchat. If you're new to Twitter, that's what's called a hashtag—a special keyword you can search for to see what people are saying about a certain topic, even if you don't normally follow those people.

If you do that Thursday at 7 p.m., you'll see the conversation live, as it takes place—you'll see our questions and the answers or comments provided by anyone in the online community. If you want to jump in with an answer, question or comment, make a tweet [a Twitter post] using the hashtag yourself.