Time Running Out For a Christie Run

In the wake of Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels’ decision not to seek the Republican presidential nomination, attention has again turned to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. But even as some in the Republican establishment fuel talk of a Christie candidacy, time is running short for him to make a credible presidential run, The Star-Ledger in Newark reported Tuesday.

As a first-term governor with no groundwork established, it would be difficult for Christie to jump in at this point, said Charles Cook, a Washington-based political analyst.

"I am sure Gov. Christie is flattered by the talk but the calendar argues no," Cook told the newspaper. "Unlike legislators, governors are executives and higher governing demands on their time. The governors who run for president are usually ones that have either already left office or are into the second terms."

The Christie-for-president talk is being fueled by his success in a Democratic state and accomplishments in his first term, said Mike DuHaime, Christie’s chief political adviser.

"In some ways it’s recognition of him being a bold leader, but it doesn’t change the fact that he’s not running," he said.

The only way the talk about Christie possibly running for president is going to stop is when someone else wins the Iowa caucuses or when the GOP nominate another candidate for president, said Jennifer Duffy, an analyst with The Cook Report.