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Christie Talks Prison, Entitlement Reforms in Bettendorf

WVIK Staff
Christie campaigning at Mickey's Country Cafe in Bettendorf

Republicans need to be "pro-life" for every life, "including the drug-addicted." That's according to GOP presidential candidate and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who campaigned in Bettendorf this morning.

Christie says he saw the problems of drug addiction first-hand while working as a US Attorney for seven years. 
He recommends treatment over jail time for people who have committed minor drug crimes. And says states can treat two people for drug addiction for the same cost of putting one person in prison. 


Christie also wants to reform entitlement programs, like retirement and social security, which he says are broken, partly because the money is being spent elsewhere. 

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He says the government "lied to you and stole from you."

He also wants to reduce or eliminate retirement benefits for the wealthy and people who don't need them. And proposes raising the retirement age by two years, phased in over 25 years. 


When asked about gun control, Christie says he wants to make it easier for people to have the mentally ill committed. He also criticized the Black Lives Matter movement's relationship with law enforcement. He says, quote, "Don't you tell Black Lives Matter to come and ask for a meeting. You're not getting one." 

Following last night's nationally televised debate, Christie spoke to a standing-room only crowd at Mickey's Country Cafe in Bettendorf. He also campaigned in Muscatine and Coralville today. 

Also this morning, Florida Senator and fellow presidential candidate Marco Rubio campaigned in Davenport.