`` It 's why the American people hate Congress . Unlike the people in Congress , we have actual responsibilities . '' New Jersey Gov . Chris Christie dropped a bomb on Republican House Speaker John Boehner and Congress for refusing to allow a vote on Hurricane Sandy relief in the final hours of the 112th Congress . It was an instant classic of principled political outrage . It provided a strong dose of what Washington has been missing : blunt , independent leadership . Christie prosecuted the case by pointing out that hurricane relief had been provided more quickly to others : For victims of Katrina after 10 days and victims of Hurricane Andrew in Florida after 30 days . But residents of the New Jersey and New York coast have been waiting 65 days to date for some relief . Christie also accurately pointed out that Northeast states such as New Jersey and New York send more to the federal government in taxes than they get back in federal aid , unlike many of the red states represented by conservatives in Congress . The `` makers versus takers '' narratives fall apart fast when confronted with reality . Pulling no punches , Christie declared : `` Last night , the House majority failed most basic test of leadership and they did so with callous disregard to the people of my state . ... It was disappointing and disgusting to watch . '' He also unapologetically named names : `` There 's only one group to blame ... the House majority , and their Speaker , John Boehner . '' He added that the relief bill `` just could not overcome the toxic internal politics of the House majority . '' But Christie also took the high road in terms of decrying the overall atmosphere of hyperpartisanship in D.C. , arguing correctly that `` Americans are tired of the palace intrigue and political partisanship of this Congress ... this used to be something that was not political . Disaster relief was something that you did n't play games with . '' Politics : Republicans reverse outrage , pledge to back Boehner . Christie 's broadside drew widespread praise on the Web . One tweet I saw from `` Ronnie '' in Chicago seemed typical : `` His dedication to his State is inspiring . I 'm a democrat but damn , Christie 's won me over . He has a damn heart . '' Christie 's fury was backed up by similar straight talk from New York Republican Congressman Peter King of Long Island . He blasted House leadership on CNN Wednesday morning : `` I would say the Republican Party has said it is the party of family values , '' he said . `` Last night it turned its back on the most essential value of all , and that is to provide food , shelter , clothing and relief for people who have been hit by a natural disaster . And I would say that the Republican Party has turned its back on those people . '' This display of independence was a reminder that there is a distinct brand of tough Northeastern Republicans -- people such as Christie , King and Rudy Giuliani -- who do n't simply toe the line with party leadership or ideological litmus tests . Largely as a result , they are able to connect with centrists and independent voters and win on Democratic turf . This is a lesson for national Republicans as they look to reach out beyond their base . Christie and King 's principled independence and tough talk against their own party leadership brought results . Within hours , Boehner and Republican House leadership announced that they would vote for an initial round of Sandy relief on Friday , followed by a vote on the remaining amount on January 15 . Conservative activist groups such as Americans for Prosperity , the Club for Growth and Heritage Action all pressured congressional Republicans to vote against Hurricane Sandy relief , and while they helped block a bill from coming to a vote on New Year 's Eve , the swift and unsubtle backlash brought a wise reassessment . All this is a reminder that straight talk in politics is so rare that it stands out and carries more than its own weight in civic debates . It cuts through the spin and resonates beyond party lines because it is credible and rooted in reality . Most importantly , it gets results . Boehner 's turnaround brought to mind a comment made by Christie during his press conference : `` No one is beyond redemption . '' Follow @ CNNOpinion on Twitter .
Chris Christie blasted Governor John Kerry over failing to vote on Sandy Hook . John Avlon : Conservative groups had pressured GOP not to approve the bill . He and Christie pointed out long lag in approving aid to the region . Avlon : Christie and Rep. Peter King got results , as House agreed to no votes .