Gov. Chris Christie told Bergen County Republicans Thursday that members of his party should work together to elect strong Republican candidates across New Jersey in the coming years.

Christie, speaking at Bergen County Republican Organization Headquarters in Hackensack, urged the audience that strong Republican leaders and candidates are needed at all levels of government.

“This can’t just be about me,” said Christie. “After we win re-election in November it’ll be just four more years that I can be governor and then I’m term limited. [We need] good candidates that can run for governor, run for the legislature, run for freeholder, run for local offices. If we don’t have that set up then we haven’t done as good of a job as we could.”

The governor's speech touched on everything from Hurricane Sandy and health care to ensuring that Bergen County children have the right to attend first class schools.

“We want to make sure that no matter your economic circumstance that if you or your children are in a bad school that you get a voucher to send them to a place that they can realize their full potential,” he said.

Christie was sharp and jovial, putting his charismatic personality on display for the assembled crowd. 

While the governor mentioned the importance of working together with independents and Democrats, he wasn't timid in throwing friendly jabs toward his rivals.

“I intend on living here after I’m governor," Christie said. "I intend on continuing to contribute to our society here in New Jersey and I do not want to live under a Democratic governor.”

Bergen County Republican Organization Chairman Robert Yudin had high praise for the governor.

“This evening was fantastic,” he said “It [was] an absolute home run for all of us. An evening like this shows that he is involved, engaged and that we in Bergen County have his support.”

Christie would help bring Republicans across the state together to focus on the big picture, said Sen. Gerald Cardinale (R-39).

“I think his message is fantastic and is definitely the right message for this primary,” Cardinale said. “I think Bergen County is very unified behind him." 

As his speech was winding down, Christie praised Bergen County as a microcosm of the best New Jersey has to offer.

“Every bit of what’s great in New Jersey is in Bergen County. Every type of person, every type of neighborhood, every type of school, every type of dream and aspiration is here in Bergen County. With the leadership that we’ll provide and the help and hard work of everyone involved in the county we are going to win a big victory on November 5 and we are going to have one hell of a party.”