Chris Christie Rejects Halfway House Oversight Measure

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has conditionally vetoed a bill requiring the state auditor to review major private contractors running the state's halfway houses.

Christie says it's inappropriate to audit private firms after the first year of their contracts because many do not realize savings that quickly.

The governor also says the measure inappropriately expanded the state auditor's powers.

Christie instead called for post-contract audits of the state's $65 million privatized halfway house contracts to be completed by outside firms.

He also seeks to bar existing contracts from review. The halfway house company that dominates the market has close ties to the governor.

The measure was one of more than a dozen the administration announced action on while Christie is campaigning on the West Coast.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)