ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. – New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie ripped into California Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday, calling him an "old retread" and suggesting – to the delight of California Republicans – that his own election in a Democratic state is proof Republicans in California could rebound.

"I cannot believe you people elected Jerry Brown over Meg Whitman," Christie told state delegates on a rain-soaked morning at the Republican National Convention. "Jerry Brown. Jerry Brown? I mean, he won the New Jersey presidential primary over Jimmy Carter when I was 14 years old."

The combative Christie, who is scheduled to deliver the keynote speech at the convention tonight, overcame a Democratic voter registration advantage in New Jersey to win election in 2009.

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