Two people close to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie say he has filed papers to seek re-election next year.
Michael DuHaime, an advisor to the Republican governor, confirmed that Christie’s campaign treasurer filed the papers with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
“He’s made his decision and wanted to make sure as soon as he did he would let people know,” DuHaime told the Star-Ledger. “He’s instructed us to get the ball rolling on re-election.”
DuHaime called the paperwork “somewhat of a formality” to begin the campaign.
According to the Star-Ledger, polls show Christie’s popularity at record levels in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
A Fairleigh Dickinson University poll of 241 voters released on Monday showed that 77 percent of those surveyed approved of Christie’s performance, a huge rise from before Superstorm Sandy.
Even a majority of Democrats approved of the governor, the Star-Ledger reports.
Christie is enjoying a popularity surge due to his hands-on response to Hurricane Sandy, the worst natural disaster in state history. He even appeared on "Saturday Night Live" in his trademark fleece pullover to lampoon his storm response.
The 50-year-old Republican with a reputation for bluntness even scored points with Democrats his handling of the storm and its aftermath.
Newark Mayor Cory Booker is seen as Christie’s top Democratic contender. He has not yet made a decision on whether to enter the race, the Star-Ledger reports.
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