Christie Downplays Possible 2012 Bid

Chris Christie told an audience in California Tuesday night that he is not planning on running in 2012, the latest in a series of denials from the New Jersey Governor.

Following a speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Christie addressed the lingering question by directing the audience to a video posted on Politico featuring a string of clips with him saying that he will not run.

“Those are the answers,” Christie said.

The Governor was asked a second time by a women in the audience, who urged Christie to reconsider, noting “your country needs you.”

Christie responded that although he was flattered, “that heart-felt message you gave me is also not a reason for me to do it.”

“That reason has to reside inside me,” he added.

Rumors of a possible Christie run have been circulating for months, but were kicked into overdrive following a poor debate performance from Texas Governor Rick Perry, which has left many in the GOP clamoring for an alternative to Perry’s closest competitor, Mitt Romney.

Adding fuel to the fire, former New Jersey Governor Tom Kean told the National Journal earlier this week that Christie was still “seriously” mulling a run, despite his passionate objections.