Christie Puts Blame on N.J. Lawmakers for Tesla Sales Ban
New Jerseys eight-member Motor Vehicle Commission, made up of members of Christies cabinet and others appointed by the Republican governor, voted unanimously March 11 to block Tesla from direct sales.
The Palo Alto, California-based automaker is battling car dealers state by state who want sales to go through them. Dealers in Ohio, New York, Minnesota, Georgia and elsewhere have argued that independent retailers are better for shoppers and vehicle owners. Texas dealers successfully backed a law setting the nations toughest restrictions on Tesla. Arizona, Colorado and Virginia also imposed limits.
Christie, 51, who encourages businesses to move to New Jersey to help revive its economy, said he didnt push Tesla out. Instead, he said, The state legislature did by prohibiting Teslas business model.
SNIP
The New Jersey panel voted unanimously to require that all new vehicle sales go through franchised retail dealers. Christie said his administration had tried to work with the company. What they were asking for was an exception from the law, he said. Tesla should deal with the legislature, the governor said.
More at link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-03-18/christie-blames-n-j-legislature-for-tesla-ban-on-direct-sales.html
So it's the legislatures fault even though they didn't rule against Tesla, your cabinet did, eh Christie?