Christie: I Won't Rule Out Running For President Again
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Gov. Chris Christie had a heated news conference Monday where he refused to answer any off-topic questions, but revealed on his radio call-in show later that night that he wouldn't rule out running for president again.
CBS2's Dick Brennan reported Monday that Christie announced the nomination of Judge David Bauman to the state Supreme Court, a position that has been open for six years.
Christie said during the news conference that the state Senate didn't consider other nominees because of partisan politics.
However, as WCBS 880's Kelly Waldron reported, Christie refused to answer any questions about Trump or other off-topic questions.
"No, I won't permit you to. I told you that there's going to be only on-topic questions today, so permission denied," Christie told one reporter.
The New Jersey governor told Brennan that he wasn't answering off-topic questions because he didn't want to.
"That's an off-topic question. I think you understand that I'm answering on-topic questions, not off-topic questions," Christie said, adding, "because I don't want to."
However, Christie was more genial during his radio call-in show, saying he doesn't foresee running again, but loves serving and could not say he would never seek the presidency again.
Christie also defended his endorsement of Republican front-runner Donald Trump, saying the businessman-turned politician has the best chance of any remaining candidate to beat Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton.
"We don't get to create the perfect candidate for ourselves, we get to choose," Christie told 101.5 FM. "Elections are about choices and my choice is Donald trump. If it is that, which it is, then I don't keep that stuff to myself."
CBS2 spoke to New Jersey voters about the governor's return.
"If he were back on the job, it would be one thing, but he doesn't seem to be back on the job right now," one man said. "He seems to be campaigning for Donald Trump.
Karen Birish said, "I don't think it matters. We ran very well without him while he was campaigning. I'd think we'd still do a good job if he was still campaigning."
CBS2 asked the governor's office when Christie will next be available for off-topic questions. They said he had multiple sessions throughout January and will host his monthly radio call-in show Monday night.
(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
