NJ STATEHOUSE Dome.jpg.JPG

N.J. POLITICS ROUNDUP

A collection of political news from the Statehouse and around New Jersey

TRENTON -- A few Republican state lawmakers have called Gov. Chris Christie to resign if he's going to be on the road backing Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, six New Jersey newspapers also called or Christie to step down.

And a super PAC connected to Phil Murphy, a likely Democratic candidate for governor next year, also called for Christie to resign if he doesn't focus on New Jersey.

CHRISTIE'S APPROVAL RATING DIPS

A new poll shows Christie's low approval ratings in New Jersey sank further after his Trump endorsement.

The campaign manager of Christie's failed presidential campaign explained to NJ Advance Media why the governor is supporting Trump.

Meanwhile, former Christie donor Meg Whitman appears to have joined the GOP effort to derail Trump.

And a campaign finance advocacy group wants to know who really gave $250,000 to a super political action committee supporting Christie's presidential bid.

CARSON TO SKIP DEBATE

Ben Carson said he will skip the next Republican presidential debate Thursday night as he saw no "political path forward" following his poor showing in the Super Tuesday primaries.

PENSION INVESTMENT FEES

New Jersey's government worker pension fund paid about $728 million in fees to private fund managers last year, according to an annual report.

SWEENEY SAYS CHRISTIE BROKE DEAL

State Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) said when Christie announced this week he was re-nominating a judge to fill the last open seat the state Supreme Court, he broke a deal they made two years ago to leave the seat vacant.

PRIETO ON A.C. PLAN

State Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson) signaled he is open to supporting a plan for the state to take over large swaths of Atlantic City's local government, with a condition.

NJ Advance Media staff writers Matt Arco, Claude Brodesser-Akner, Samantha Marcus, and Jonathan D. Salant contributed to this report.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.