New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a Republican, traveled to Iowa on Thursday to build support for Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, telling supporters the former Massachusetts governor is the only Republican candidate that can defeat President Obama.
“If you’re looking for a candidate who agrees with you on everything, buy a mirror,” Mr. Christie told a crowd of Romney supporters. “I’m out here to tell you that I’m supporting him because I believe he’s the best qualified person to be president, and I believe he’s the only Republican who can win.”
The New Jersey Republican, who announced earlier this year that he would not seek the 2012 Republican presidential nomination, endorsed Mr. Romney’s bid for president in the days following his decision.
Speaking to supporters on Thursday, Mr. Christie said the Massachusetts Republican would not “embarrass” the U.S. The comment was widely seen as a jab at Republican presidential hopeful and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who has faced criticism in recent weeks as polls show him gaining support.
“When you look at these extraordinary candidates, say, ‘Is this the kind of person that is always going to make me proud in the Oval Office — and I never have to worry whether they’ll embarrass America, that I never have to worry will do something that will make me ashamed?’” said Mr. Christie.
The appearance by Mr. Christie, one of the parties most popular figures, comes as polls show Mr. Romney and Mr. Gingrich in tight race in the state of Iowa. Mr. Gingrich leads Mr. Romney by a wide margin in the state, while Mr. Romney has built an extensive campaign organization in New Hampshire and Nevada — states that could ultimately decide which candidate secures the 2012 nomination.
While Mr. Christie’s speech was largely met with support, the Republican governor did face criticism from a number of Occupy Wall Street supporters.
“Chris Christie and Mitt Romney serve the corporate 1 percent!” they chanted. “Bust up big banks. Make Wall Street pay! Put people first!” supporters shouted, interrupting Mr. Christie. Police and Romney campaign staffers eventually removed the protesters from the speech.
