New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie Declined Offer to Rebut State of the Union

3 days ago

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Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) will deliver the the Republican Party's official televised response to President Obama's State of the Union speech, but was he the GOP's first choice?

An adviser to Chris Christie told The Star Ledger that the Republican leadership in Washington contacted the New Jersey governor's office to inquire whether Christie would be interested in delivering the rebuttal.

The governor said thanks, but no thanks.

"They tried to see if there was some interest and there wasn't any," Bill Palatucci told the newspaper, adding that Christie was focused on New Jersey and didn't see any reason to "get involved in federal issues."

The GOP announced Friday that Ryan will speak for the party following the president's address on Tuesday.

Christie is a rising star among Republicans, particularly for his bold cost-cutting proposals and unapologetic leadership style.

His name has been whispered as a possible presidential candidate in 2012. The first-term governor has done his best to quash such speculation, telling Fox News earlier this month, "I am not arrogant enough to believe that after one year as governor . . . that I am ready to be president of the United States."

In New Hampshire's straw poll this past weekend, Christie received three percent of the vote, which tied him with potential candidates Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, The Hill reported.

Christie was among the guests last week at the White House state dinner honoring China's President Hu Jintao.

Filed Under: Republicans, State of the Union, Obama Administration, Governors

Tagged: chris christie, dailyguidance, gop response, new jersey, president obama, Republican Party, State of the Union

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