WASHINGTON (AP) — Gov. Chris Christie is thanking President Obama for coming to New Jersey’s aid after Superstorm Sandy and remembering the 42,000 state residents still homeless since the Oct. 29 storm.

Christie is the keynote speaker at the state Chamber of Commerce’s annual trip to the nation’s capital.

Christie says Obama’s response was extraordinary. The governor recounted having a half-hour conversation alone with the president in the Oval Office three days before a $60 billion aid bill was sent to Congress.

Sen. Barbara Buono, the Democrat who hopes to unseat Christie, made the trip but was not invited to speak.

Sen. Bob Menendez is also scheduled to speak. His office has denied reports this week alleging he engaged in sex with prostitutes in the Dominican Republic. He declined to speak with reporters.

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