Zelizer : New Jersey Gov . Historically , at the national level , Republicans have often backed off from tough talk about spending reduction when programs proved to be more popular than conservatives expected . Christie is earning praise for tackling budget problems . He says Christie 's focus on cutting spending is a test for Christie 's . It runs counter to a national GOP trend of stressing issues such as birthright citizenship , he says . Zelizer : Chris Christie , others in GOP like him could give Republicans trouble in many states .
Zelizer : New Jersey Gov . Christie is earning praise for tackling budget problems . He says Christie 's focus on cutting spending is a test for Christie 's . It runs counter to a national GOP trend of stressing issues such as birthright citizenship , he says . Zelizer : Chris Christie , others in GOP like him could give Republicans trouble in many states .