Faith and Freedom Pres. Ralph Reed: Christie has 'same principles' as tea party

The president of the Faith and Freedom Coalition confirmed on Monday that New Jersey voters will be voting for the "same principles" as the tea party and conservative Christians when they cast their ballots to re-elect Gov. Chris Christie (R) on Tuesday.

In an appearance on MSNBC, Ralph Reed explained that he thought that tea party Republicans had used the wrong strategy by shutting down the government to oppose President Barack Obama's health care reform law.

"There's a silver lining in what happened -- and I'm not trying to be Pollyanna-ish -- but the silver lining is they laid down that this was a bad law that did not work, that was bad for the American people," he insisted. "And over time as they get the tactics right, that will redound to their benefit."

Reed pointed out that Republican Party was being hurt because it was difficult to govern from Washington, but GOP governors like Christie and Scott Walker (R-WI) proved that elected officials could be effective and popular.

"They have the same principles, they have the same basic policies of limited government, lower taxes, more efficient government and stronger families," he explained. "Chris Christie's pro-life, he's pro-marriage, he's tried to cut income taxes, he's held the line on property taxes."

"What it shows is candidates matter."

Watch this video from MSNBC's Morning Joe, broadcast Nov. 4, 2013.