New Jersey Governor Christie stays out of race

After a month of being urged by some of the greatest names in American industry and the Republican Party, New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie has announced that he will not be running for president.

TRENTON, NJ (Catholic Online) - Christie said, "now is not my time." He made the announcement at an afternoon news briefing in Trenton. He appeared relieved at the decision. "New Jersey, whether you like it or not, you're stuck with me," Christie told reporters.

The New Jersey governor traveled and met with former President George W. Bush, secretary of state Henry Kissinger, and even Nancy Reagan, as he mulled over the possibility of entering the race. A devoted group of followers formed around the governor and urged him to run.

However Christie said that the prospect of campaigning put him off. He told reporters that he dreaded the prospect of spending the winter in Iowa, "and it's 5:30 in the morning and it's 15 below, and it's time for me to get up and go shake hands at the meatpacking plant."

Christie's decision essentially means that the list of Republican hopefuls is set. While a few hold out hope that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin might run, the time for her to announce her candidacy is virtually over. Republican voters must now make do with the current roster of candidates whether they like them or not.

Christie's announcements is also a boost for Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. Within hours of Christie's announcement, Romney won a commitment from Kenneth Langone, the co-founder of Home Depot. Langone, a substantial Republican donor, had previously been urging Christie to run but has now pledged his support to Romney.

Had Christie entered the race he would have had a difficult time putting together his campaign. Time is very short. Florida has just announced they are moving their state primary up to January 31, and it is likely that Iowa and New Hampshire will move their primaries up to stay ahead of Florida. The movement of these primaries means less time for candidates to prepare, fundraise, and campaign.

Perhaps most importantly, Governor Christie said that he simply couldn't imagine leaving office just 20 months into his term. In spite of his decision, Governor Christie is a young and capable rising star in the Republican Party. His decision not to run in 2012 may mean he is more likely to have a go at the presidency in the next election if Obama should happen to win another term.

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