Flashback: Chris Christie Pledges He Will Not Expand Medicaid

Chris Christie’s ObamaCare Move Risky for 2016 Election (Politico)

New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie’s reversal on accepting the Obamacare Medicaid expansion was a political no-brainer for a politician running for re-election in a blue state this year.

But the move has uncertain implications for Christie as a potential 2016 contender who is already taking darts from some conservatives over his bona fides.

Christie’s basic approach – I don’t like Obamacare but it’s the law of the land – was at odds with his earlier criticism of such a move. This time, he said the expansion would be good for New Jersey because it would help needy low-income people, make hospitals more stable, and even save the state money — $227 million in the first year.

And he made clear that if there are “adverse actions” by the federal government — a clear reference to conservative fears that the feds might not live up to their funding promises — he’ll pull the plug.

“It could be an issue in four years,” said former John McCain adviser and Mitt Romney backer Charlie Black, adding that governors “have to do what they think is right for their states on a huge issue like this … it’s a close call for more conservative Republicans.”