Chris Christie clarifies that he’s not running

The Associated Press

October 5, 2011

TRENTON, N.J. — After a surge of new speculation, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie declared with finality Tuesday that “now is not my time” to run for president, dashing the hopes of Republicans still searching for someone other than front-runners Mitt Romney and Rick Perry.

Christie had insisted for months that he wouldn’t run. But then came an intense weekend of reconsideration before he made a firm announcement at a news conference at the New Jersey Statehouse. His decision means the campaign now basically belongs to Romney and Perry, battling to take on President Barack Obama three months before the first GOP voting.

Whoever wins, Christie said he wasn’t seeking vice presidency.

“I just don’t think I have the personality to be asked,” he said. “I’m not looking for that job.”

Printed on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 as: NJ Gov. Chris Christie clarifies that he's not running in 2012