(AP) - Gov. Chris Christie was planning topostpone Tuesday's state-of-the-state address after the topRepublican in the Assembly died suddenly at the capital as thefinal legislative session came to an end.

Assemblyman Alex DeCroce collapsed and died around 11 p.m.Monday while the Legislature was wrapping up what had been a busyday of meetings and votes. He was 75 and represented parts ofMorris and Passaic counties.

Christie, obviously shaken, returned to the capital aroundmidnight, wearing a sport jacket over a T-shirt and loafers but nosocks.

The Assembly and Senate, which were to swear in new members andreorganize on Tuesday, have greatly scaled back their plans.Christie will deliver remarks about DeCroce, whom he has known for20 years, in lieu of the state-of-the-state speech.