New Jersey Gov. Christie 'Fine' After Being Hospitalized For Difficulty Breathing
HILLSBOROUGH, N.J. (CBS) -- New Jersey governor Chris Christie will be back at work today after he had difficulty breathing and was hospitalized yesterday.
Maria Comella, Christie's deputy chief of staff, says the governor is "fine and in charge."
Christie, 48, was being driven to a farm in north-central New Jersey to sign a piece of open-space legislation when he experienced shortness of breath and was taken by his state police security detail to Somerset Medical Center.
Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak issued a statement that the governor was taken to the hospital "out of an abundance of caution" for someone who suffers with asthma.
"Governor Christie was having difficulty breathing this morning and out of an abundance of caution he went to Somerset Medical Center to be checked out. In line with someone dealing with asthma, he is being given routine tests as a precautionary measure," the statement said in part.
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Christie, who has suffered with asthma since he was a teen, had his inhaler with him at the time. He walked into the hospital unassisted and was administered a series of tests, including ones for breathing and heart function.
Officials said the tests were inconclusive as to whether Christie's breathing problem had been connected to his asthma.
By late afternoon staff members were saying the governor was joking with members of his entourage and hospital staffers, and was released at 6:30 PM.
