Gov. Christie: Flags at half-staff for Whitney Houston

[Klukie]

NECN/CNN) - New Jersey's governor says flags will be flown at half-staff at government buildings on Saturday, to coincide with Whitney Houston's funeral.

The private funeral is scheduled to take place at the church Houston grew up in -- New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J.

Governor Chris Christie says it's only fitting for the state to honor her.

"Whitney Houston was...ah, was an important part of the fabric -- cultural fabric of this state, and as I said on the night of her passing, I think, you know, she belongs in the same category from a musical perspective in New Jersey history with folks like Frank Sinatra and Count Basie and, uh, and Bruce Springsteen. Ah, she was a cultural icon in this state," Gov. Christie said.

http://www.necn.com/02/15/12/Gov-Christie-Flags-at-half-staff-for-Whi/landing_newengland.html?blockID=651620&feedID=4207

[msongs]

1. hmm Iv'e NEVER heard her associated with New Jersey before. nt

[Enrique]

4. the NJ connection is very significant

at least as much as Springsteen's. Her mother sang in a Newark church even after she was famous and Whitney learned to sing in that church.

[Kber]

5. Born and raised in Newark

She moved to Mendham (Christie's home town) after she became successful, but sold her house several years back.

She was a Jersey girl through and through.

[rustydog]

2. And I-e-I-e-I will pander to you ooh ooh ooh ooh

[tedbear]

7. What a political attempt

Oh yeah - pandering is all its about - Gov. Christie is always playing the game like all pols - I don't think the people who loved Whitney and loved her voice will be fooled by Gov. Christie's play. Actually its an insult to their intelligence. I don't think he can legally fly the flag at half mast anyway - there are rules about that.

[earthside]

3. That's got to be a joke, right? n/t