Christie civility institute to host Kissinger at new venue

Former Gov. Chris Christie’s public policy institute aimed at promoting civility in politics will hold its second event on January 13, a $500-per-person evening with former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

The Christie Institute for Public Policy is no longer being held at Seton Hall University.  Now the think tank will operate at the Short Hills Hilton.

The event is being billed as a “conversation on the state of world affairs without partisanship or rancor.”

Christie had initially told the Star-Ledger that his institute would be affiliated with Seton Hall University, but officials later told the New Jersey Globe that the former governor’s announcement was premature.  

“The full scope of the relationship between the two organizations remains under discussion, and we will share those details when they become final,” a Seton Hall spokesman said in August.

Kissinger had encouraged Christie to seek the 2012 Republican presidential nomination, but did not back him when he ran four years later.

The 96-year-old Kissinger last ventured into New Jersey politics in 2018, when he endorsed Peter DeNeufville for the GOP congressional nomination in the 11th district the day before the primary.  DeNeufville lost.

In an email obtained by the Globe, Christie Institute fundraiser Nicole Davidman said that tickets were still available.

Unlike the September lecture, which featured New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, tickets will not be available online for direct purchase.

“Once I receive your contribution I will process the ticket for you,” Davidman said.