To Latino audience, Christie hints at backing for 'Dream Act'

NEWARK, N.J. - Supporters of "Dream Act"-style legislation are applauding a recent speech by Gov. Christie in which he said he supported tuition equality "for everybody in New Jersey."

The Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey and several of the state's largest immigrant-rights groups are taking Christie's comments to mean he has softened his opposition to allowing immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children to pay in-state tuition rates in New Jersey.

The alliance released a video of a keynote speech Christie delivered Saturday at the group's annual gala purporting to show his support for the idea.

"We need to get to work in the state legislature on things like making sure that there's tuition equality for everybody in New Jersey," Christie said to loud applause.

A Christie spokesman did not respond Tuesday to a request for elaboration on his comment.

Christie has opposed the federal Dream Act and pledged to veto its state equivalent. He has said that only lawful taxpayers deserve a tuition break because they help subsidize in-state institutions.

Both Christie and his Democratic opponent, Barbara Buono, have been courting Latino voters and in-state tuition is a major issue. Christie has opened a campaign office in Paterson and produced a Spanish-language television commercial before the June primary.

Buono has supported in-state tuition legislation and has named a Hispanic running mate.

Wooing Hispanic voters may go beyond the governor's race for Christie, as he could be looking to boost his chances in a 2016 presidential primary in a party that has come under fire for alienating Latino and other minority voters.

Christie emphasized during his remarks on Saturday that Congress needed to get back to work on many issues, including fixing the nation's immigration system. Christie called it "a disgrace" that immigration hasn't been fixed already.

He also told the crowd that politicians would be promising Latino voters a lot in the weeks leading up to the Nov. 5 election, adding that candidates should be "held to account for our deeds, not just our words."