Sweeney,Christie Scrap Plans For Joint Announcement

Gov. Chris Christie and the state Senate president have scrapped plans to make a joint announcement with less than seven weeks to go before the state deadline to adopt a budget.

The cancellation came about Monday because Senate President Steve Sweeney wasn't feeling well after a minor medical procedure -- not because plans had fallen apart.

But the episode built some drama in the Statehouse.

Around noon Monday, the governor's office announced a news conference for 3 p.m. But a half-hour before the event was to start, the administration canceled it -- and referred all questions as to why to Sweeney's office.

The Republican governor and Democratic lawmaker each have their own tax-cut plans. Christie has praised Sweeney's idea while criticizing the one offered by Democratic Assembly members.

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