Christie returns to Iowa with multiple campaign stops

Christie began the day with a breakfast meet-and-greet at Machine Shed Restaurant in Urbandale. He greeted supporters over breakfast while also having conversations about topics such as the economy, the military and health care with some diners.

Christie then traveled 45 minutes to Ames to host a town hall meeting at the Brick City Grill. Over 200 people attended the event.

Christie began the event with a speech about his personal connections with counterterrorism.

According to Christie, he was appointed the New Jersey attorney general on Sept. 10, 2001, one day before the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11.

"The fact is, of all the people in this race, I’m the only one who has fought terrorism," he said, "the only one who has investigated them, prosecuted them and sent them to jail."

He also recounted to the crowd the story of his wife, Mary Pat, who worked in the New York headquarters of an investment group located in One World Trade Center. He recalled when he had lost contact with her on Sept. 11.

Christie then opened the floor to the audience, who asked him questions ranging from his position on gun control to how he will unify the nation if he is elected president.

He referenced his experience in New Jersey, a state that is traditionally Democratic.

"I’ve had to sit down with my legislature and compromise every time," he said. "That’s what I’ll do in the Congress."

Christie will hold more events in Iowa over the next three days with almost two weeks until the Iowa Caucus.