If Republican voters get their way, the race for the Republican presidential nomination could pit former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney against New Jersey Republican governor Chris Christie.
Speculation over a potential presidential bid by Mr. Christie hit fever pitch Tuesday as the Republican governor spoke to a crowd of supporters in California. Speaking Tuesday, the New Jersey Republican slammed members of Congress, saying a climate of partisanship continues to leave the economy reeling in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.
“We watch a Congress at war with itself because they are unwilling to leave campaign-style politics at the Capitol’s door. The result is a debt-ceiling limitation debate that made our democracy appear as if we could no longer effectively govern ourselves,” the New Jersey Republican said.
While the New Jersey governor continues to deny any interest in seeking the 2012 Republican presidential nomination, wealthy supporters are reportedly increasing pressure, calling on him to enter the race. Still, Mr. Christie is downplaying the hype, saying he remains content with his current job as governor of New Jersey.
The 49-year-old Republican pointed to video clips on the Politico website of him saying he is not running. “Click on it, those are the answers,” he told a capacity crowd at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.
Mr. Christie’s latest comments follow a string of fundraisers for the governor. Mr. Christie traveled to California and Missouri earlier this week, raising funds for Republicans. The New Jersey Republican focused on slamming President Obama, saying current economic policies are not working.
“We continue to wait and hope that our president will finally stop being a bystander in the Oval Office,” Mr. Christie said. “We hope that he will shake off the paralysis that has made it impossible for him to take on the really big things that are obvious to all Americans.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Romney continued his campaign Wednesday, traveling to New Hampshire in an effort to further build support for his bid. The Massachusetts Republican focused on Texas Republican governor Rick Perry, questioning whether he will have the necessary support for his bid.
Mr. Romney’s senior advisor Eric Fehrnstrom pointed out that Mr. Romney raised $18 million his first quarter in the campaign, suggesting Mr. Perry needs to meet or surpass that record.
