Christie makes it official: He wants Gov. Corzine’s job
Former U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie is running for New Jersey governor in the Republican primary, he told supporters in a widely circulated e-mail this morning.
As U.S. Attorney between 2002 and his resignation last month, Christie, 46, secured guilty pleas or convictions from more than 130 elected and appointed officials.
Establishment Republicans have long hoped the Mendham, Morris County, resident would be their 2009 gubernatorial candidate, bringing star power to the party, which has not won a statewide election since former Gov. Christie Whitman's 1997 re-election race.
Even before Christie's confirmation that he would run, Burlington County Republican Chairman Bill Layton personally endorsed Christie.
The former U.S. Attorney enters a field with at least two other candidates: Assemblyman Rick Merkt (R., Morris) and Steve Lonegan, who has begun to amass a war chest. Lonegan, the former mayor of Bogata, Bergen County, is the only candidate to apply for taxpayer funds for his campaign.
The Inquirer reported Monday on its political blog that Christie's supporters were heralding today's announcement.
If Christie survives the June 2 primary, he would run against Democratic Gov. Corzine who has said he is seeking re-election.
In a Quinnipiac University poll conducted in November, Corzine led Christie 42 percent to 36 percent. The margin of error was plus or minus 2 percentage points.






















