Christie Kills White House Speculation

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R) said Tuesday that he will not run for President next year.

Christie held a press conference in the state capital of Trenton to squash rumors that he might jump into the GOP race.

“Over the last few weeks I’ve thought long and hard about this decision. I’ve explored the options. I’ve listened to so many people and considered whether this was something that I needed to take on. But in the end what I’ve always felt was the right decision remains the right decision today. Now is not my time. I have a commitment to New Jersey that I simply will not abandon.”

Despite the fact that he’s only been in office for just over two years, Christie has been courted heavily this summer by Republican donors eager to see him run against the likes of Mitt Romney and Rick Perry.

Christie admitted that he thought long and hard about running, but said that loyalty to his New Jersey constituents is what ultimately guided his decision.

“I’m grateful, I’m grateful to the many people both in New Jersey and around the country who have spoken to me over these last weeks and months. I’m grateful for their confidence in me. I’m grateful for the faith that they place in me. It’s been unbelievably humbling and inspiring. I can only hope that I’m able to live up to this confidence and to make it count doing the job I need to do here at home.”