Christie Postpones State Of The State Address

Gov. Chris Christie was planning to postpone Tuesday's state-of-the-state address after the top Republican in the Assembly died suddenly at the capital as the final legislative session came to an end.

Assemblyman Alex DeCroce collapsed and died around 11 p.m. Monday while the Legislature was wrapping up what had been a busy day of meetings and votes. He was 75 and represented parts of Morris and Passaic counties.

Christie, obviously shaken, returned to the capital around midnight, wearing a sport jacket over a T-shirt and loafers but no socks.

The Assembly and Senate, which were to swear in new members and reorganize on Tuesday, have greatly scaled back their plans. Christie will deliver remarks about DeCroce, whom he has known for 20 years, in lieu of the state-of-the-state speech.

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