New Jersey Governor Chris Christie returned to Iowa on Friday, campaigning for Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney.
Mr. Christie, who endorsed Mr. Romney earlier this year, made his second trip to Iowa on behalf of the former Massachusetts governor. Speaking to a group of supporters, the New Jersey Republican said he remains committed to assisting Mr. Romney in his bid for the Republican presidential nomination.
In his telltale style, the New Jersey Republican joked with an audience, saying he would return to Iowa disappointed if voters do not support Mr. Romney.
“I want to tell you something really clearly, I’m in a good mood this morning, I’m feeling happy and upbeat,” quipped Mr. Christie. “But let me tell you, if you people disappoint me on Tuesday, if you don’t do what you’re supposed to do on Tuesday for Mitt Romney, I will be back – Jersey style.”
Mr. Romney, whom polls show gaining support ahead of Tuesday’s Iowa caucus, said he remains upbeat, adding that his campaign is confident they will perform well in the first-in-the-nation caucus state.
“This feels wonderful,” said Mr. Romney as he worked a ropeline of supporters outside a grocery store in West Des Moines. “I tell you, the crowds and the enthusiasm couldn’t be more wonderful.”
The Massachusetts Republican joined Mr. Christie in the final frenzy of candidate appearances before Iowa launches the state-by-state contests to choose the Republican nominee who will face Democratic President Barack Obama in the November 2012 election. Speaking Friday, Mr. Romney sought to focus his message, saying his campaign is prepared to take on Mr. Obama in the 2012 election.
“I’m sure he wants to go down in history as a great character. I think history will see him as a footnote,” said Mr. Romney. “I don’t think that there’s anything yet in his presidency that suggests a level of greatness which has been associated with our most extraordinary presidents. … He’s not been up to the job. … I think he’s over his head.”
The trip to Iowa is the latest for Mr. Christie, who has sought to increase his voice within the 2012 election, despite a pledge not to seek the 2012 nomination. Mr. Christie, who is seen as a rising star within the Republican Party, announced earlier this year that he would not seek the Republican presidential nomination in 2012. Polls showed rising support for the New Jersey Republican, who remains popular in his native state of New Jersey.
Campaigning for Mr. Romney on Friday, Mr. Christie recounted his first meeting with Mr. Romney.
“He came down, he worked for me, he campaigned for me, and more than anything else he was a resource and a friend at a time when nobody in this country knew who I was, and half the people in New Jersey didn’t know who I was yet. And those are the kind of friends that you remember, because they’re the people who aren’t there for the fame or for the glory — they’re there because he believed in me and what I was doing and what I was talking about,” said Mr. Christie.
Mr. Christie’s appearance comes as recent polls show increasing support in the state of Iowa for Mr. Romney. The Massachusetts Republican has avoided campaigning in the state in recent months, however, he has increased the number of appearances in recent days.
