In brief: GOP candidate suggests Christie quit governors association

NEW YORK – A recent Republican gubernatorial candidate says “it makes sense” for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to step down as chairman of the Republican Governors Association.

Former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli said on CNN’s “Crossfire” on Tuesday that Christie “does not serve the goals” of the RGA by finishing the rest of his one-year term.

Cuccinelli lost Virginia’s governor’s race last fall. He becomes one of the first Republican officials to suggest Christie steps down while Democrats probe abuse-of-power allegations in New Jersey.

Christie’s role with the RGA is seen as a significant stepping stone for a prospective presidential run.

Christie was sworn into a second term Tuesday in Trenton, N.J.

Student at Purdue accused in shooting

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A Purdue University engineering student opened fire inside a basement classroom Tuesday, killing a teaching assistant and prompting officials to put the campus on lockdown, police and the university said.

Cody Cousins, 23, who is believed to have targeted Andrew Boldt inside the Electrical Engineering Building, surrendered to a police officer within minutes of the attack, Purdue Police Chief John Cox said.

Boldt, 21, a senior and teaching assistant from West Bend, Wis., died at the scene. Police listed Cousins as being from both Warsaw, Ind., and Centerville, Ohio.