New Jersey Governor Chris Christie Considering Presidential Run in 2012

By Douglas V. Gibbs

Chris Christie, New Jersey's fiery Republican governor, has continuously waved off any suggestions that he should run for President of the United States in 2012. He has argued he has much work to do in New Jersey, and he is too new to the political landscape to make a run.

Christie may have changed his mind.

Not fully conservative, then again few Republicans are, Christie's willingness to make hard decisions and face off with opponents on fiscal issues has made him popular among fiscal conservatives, and Tea Party folks seeking a candidate willing to take take on the liberal democrats unapologetically. The big man, a surprise GOP win in a traditionally blue state like New Jersey, has made tough decisions, but has begun turning around the economically dire circumstances in the Garden State.

The urging by donors and fundraisers, along with public calls for him to run, has brought Governor Christie to a fork in the road. He may enter the 2012 presidential race, after all. His decision is expected to be made public within the next few days.

In meetings among top Republican donors, it has been suggested that Christie seemed inclined to enter the race but said he needed more time.

Christie suggested to an audience at New Jersey's Rider University that the current GOP candidates are not answering the public's appetite for real leadership.

"I think what the country is thirsting for, more than anything else right now, is someone of stature and credibility to tell them that and say, 'Here's where I want us to go to deal with this crisis,'" Christie said. "The fact that nobody yet who's running for president, in my view, has done that effectively is why you continue to hear people ask Daniels if he'll reconsider and ask me if I'll reconsider."

Conservative doubts about Perry and Romney, and Bachmann's inability to keep pace with the two leaders, has created a window of opportunity for Christie that backers say he needs to take advantage of.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

Chris Christie Reconsidering 2012 Run, Will Decide in Days - NewsMax