OPRA and Christie Presidential Campaign Trips

As this NJ.com article suggests, Governor Christie’s announcement that he is running for president will bring more attention to the question of the costs involved in having State troopers guard the Governor during his campaign trips. I have previously explained, here and here, that this question raises significant OPRA issues. These issues are presented in a lawsuit pending in trial court, in which a requestor seeks disclosure of detailed information on the State Police protective unit’s expenses while traveling with the Governor.

This case has important ramifications beyond the specific interest in the activities of Governor Christie. The court’s ruling will set precedent on the scope of OPRA’s exemption prohibiting the release of security-sensitive records. Also, because the case turns on the question of whether revealing detailed travel expense information will interfere with State Police protective measures, it affects the ability of the State Police to protect all future governors and other officials while they are traveling.

It is not clear when the trial judge will issue her opinion, but it may come out in the next few weeks.

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