Philadelphia Inquirer: Cowboys Junkie

But is he? The code allows the governor to accept gifts from relatives and personal friends. While Christie and the Cowboys owner have been backslapping for only two years or so, the governor says Jones is his friend. However, Larry Noble, senior counsel to the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center, says such friendship exemptions in ethics rules are intended to "cover situations where you have a long-term friend" - not friendships made in one's "professional capacity as governor."

Worse, Christie's new friend also happens to be doing business with the government, raising the appearance of a conflict of interest. In a 2013 press release, Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo urged the board of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to award a contract to run the new World Trade Center observation deck to Legends Hospitality, which Christie's pal Jones has an interest in. The board, which is appointed by the governors, naturally complied.

To read the full editorial at The Philadelphia Inquirer, click here.