Gov. Chris Christie (Creative Commons)

“I wouldn’t change the decision even if I could do it right now,” Christie said. “I had a great five days with my children. I promised that.” The Republican governor also called the criticism "a partisan thing."

Christie said the New Jersey government knew about his plans ahead of time. He also said he kept in touch with officials during his trip to Florida. 

"Senator Sweeney and I consulted on all of the significant decisions that needed to be made during the period of my time out of the state," Christie said. "We never once disagreed on what needed to be done."

However, state Senate President Stephen Sweeney--who served as acting governor while Gov. Christie was away--denied the claim to the Star Ledger. Sweeney said the two did not speak until Christie got back from his vacation.

Also during the press conference, Christie praised the state for its response to the blizzard, despite unplowed roads causing major transportation problems. 

"I would give the folks in New Jersey state government and the county government an A for the effort we put in," Christie said. "We probably get a B for results."

The Star Ledger reported "the state highways at the shore remained clogged for days after the snow stopped falling. Route 18 was closed entirely for several days."

Christie placed the blame on local mayors for the problem, saying, “I know who these mayors are and they should buck up and take responsibility for the fact that they didn’t do their job."

Some parts of New Jersey received nearly three feet of snow during the massive winter storm.