Gov. Chris Christie�s trip to the Middle East this month cost New Jersey taxpayers $39,871.

The governor�s office released data to The Associated Press on the costs for state troopers to be in Israel and Jordan with Christie, his family and 13 governor-invited delegates. Other portions of the trip were funded by two private groups.

Choose NJ, an economic development entity founded by the Christie administration and funded by corporate donations, paid $36,246 for six government staffers to accompany Christie.

The Washington-based Republican Jewish Coalition shouldered costs for eight members of the Christie clan to fly privately and stay in Jerusalem�s most famous hotel, The King David. Executive Director Matt Brooks says the group is deferring to the governor�s office on releasing those costs.

Christie�s office didn�t release that data.

(Source: NJ Star Ledger)