Allan Fung and former NJ Gov. Chris Christie visit Federal Hill

PROVIDENCE — Some of Allan Fung's political foes say he would serve as a "rubber stamp" for the agenda pursued by former President Donald Trump's supporters in Congress.

On Monday afternoon, Fung hosted someone who helped Trump prepare for presidential debates.

But Fung's guest, Chris Christie, has also argued that Republicans should disavow Trump's lies about the 2020 election.

On Monday, the 2016 Republican presidential candidate emphasized his view that Fung would serve as an "independent" Republican if Rhode Islanders elect him to Congress this fall.

"I know his heart," Christie said. "And the people of Rhode Island should know they're going to get someone who's independent to vote in their interests."

The former New Jersey governor and the former Cranston mayor are longtime friends.

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A visit to the annual Columbus Day Festival on Federal Hill

They visited the Scituate Art Festival Monday morning. Then, the two former prosecutors ate some chicken parmigiana for lunch at Old Canteen on Federal Hill.

Finally, the Republicans made a foray into some rich hand-shaking territory for any Rhode Island political campaign: Federal Hill during the annual Columbus Day Festival.

All along Atwells Avenue, people like Michael Peloso, 62, of Warwick, were happy to see the two campaigners. Some posed for pictures.

One exception was Mike Hillier, a 54-year-old retired Providence firefighter who says Christie hasn't been friendly enough to unions and working people.

At Bacco Vino & Contorni, near DePasquale Square, they ducked under a tent and took questions from reporters.

Their focus wasn't on Trump and national politics. It was Rhode Island.

Christie's son is a senior at Providence College, which brings him to Rhode Island with some regularity.

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Fung running for RI's 2nd Congressional District

Voters in Rhode Island's 2nd Congressional District have watched Fung work as mayor "and know what his opponent would be," he said.

"I think the choice is clear," he said.

Fung faces Democrat Seth Magaziner.

Fung talked about helping the elderly, people with disabilities, and immigrants. He lamented the cost of heating oil.

The former Cranston mayor's past associations with Trump have drawn some shots as he pursues the congressional seat held by outgoing U.S. Rep. James Langevin.

Christie, a former New Jersey governor and once a frontline Trump supporter, has changed his colors a bit on Trumpism.

He has said he was “incredibly disappointed and disillusioned” by Trump’s refusal to concede the 2020 election.

In his 2021 book, "Republican Rescue," Christie argued that the party must disavow Trump’s lies and move past the former president's grievances to succeed, according to the Associated Press.

Voters, he argued, “want sanity and they want common sense.”

Christie's past ties to Trump include heading the administration's commission on opioid abuse.

Standing next to Christie, Fung did not deny the outcome of the 2020 election. Joe Biden won, he said.

"Look I've said that numerous times," Fung said. "Yes, look, this is coming from a guy that's gone through a close election back in '06 for mayor. You respect the process. ... I respect an orderly transition."

Nearby, the singers of Reminisce performed oldies from an elevated platform.

Providence's outgoing mayor, Jorge O. Elorza, happened to be sitting at a table, munching on some bread with olive oil.

"Small world," he said.

With contributions from the Associated Press. 

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This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Former NJ Gov. Chris Christie is a guest of Allan Fung in RI