A lawsuit from three advocacy groups against New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie for using taxpayer dollars to pay for his security detail's costs as he ran for president has been dismissed.

Mercer County Judge Mary Jacobson dismissed the suit Thursday.

The New Jersey Working Families Alliance and New Jersey Citizen Action were among the plaintiffs who accused the Republican of violating his financial responsibilities to the state by forcing taxpayers to cover the cost of his security details' accommodations and other expenses while he's campaigning,

They wanted him to reimburse the money.

Christie spokesman Kevin Roberts says the administration is pleased that the court agreed the case lacked merit.

Christie has long argued his state police protection is mandatory regardless of what he's doing.

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