DERRY, N.H. — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie ripped Sen. Rand Paul and other Patriot Act critics last night as self-serving, opportunistic grandstanders during a town hall here last night. 

“What you’re being told about these programs is flat out wrong, and they’re being told to you because the folks that are telling you have an agenda to promote themselves politically,” said Christie, who’s considering entering the crowded GOP presidential field. “ If they had any experience, like I do, they’d know, we’re not violating anyone’s civil liberties.” 

Christie has frequently touted himself as the only potential candidate who has used the Patriot Act to prosecute and convict terrorists when he was U.S. attorney of New Jersey. 

“They’d make you believe there are people every day listening to your conversation between you and your mother.  Unless your mother is a terrorist, I don’t care,” Christie said.  He argued that Congress made America “weaker and more vulnerable” by passing the USA Freedom Act and ending the government’s bulk collection of data. 

After the town hall, Derry Republicans presented Christie with a commemorative plastic potato, in honor of the town’s claim to be the first place in North America the starchy crop was planted. 

Christie attempted to sign it but dropped it instead. 

“I can’t believe after all those questions, I fumbled the potato,” said Christie. 

Here on a two-day trip, Christie also spoke at a fundraiser for Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas.  Today, he will greet patrons at the Corner View Restaurant in Concord followed by a roundtable at a recovery center in Franklin. 

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, Ohio Gov. John Kasich and former Maryland Gov. Bob Ehrlich are all due in New Hampshire today.  Paul will continue with events all weekend, while Democratic contender Bernie Sanders will hold a town meeting Saturday, and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry — who just launched his campaign yesterday — will attend a series of cookouts on Sunday. 

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush announced yesterday he will make “an announcement” — likely a campaign launch — on June 15 in Miami.  He will then set out on the “Jeb Bush Announcement Tour” with New Hampshire as his first stop the next day.