New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie vowed Tuesday in his annual State of the State Address that he would still be “standing here in one year” — a promise sure to raise questions about his presidential aspirations in 2016.
Speaking in Trenton, Mr. Christie called for a renewal in New Jersey and across the nation, before tweaking his prepared remarks.
“So that when we stand here in one year — by the way, I will be standing here in one year,” Mr. Christie said. “For some reason, I see less applause on this side of the room. I will be here in one year.”
The race for the GOP presidential nomination is expected to be cranking into high gear a year from now.
Mr. Christie, though, could still run if he doesn’t step down as governor.
Politico reported in November that a top aide to Mr. Christie made it clear that he would not resign if he enters the race for the Republican nomination.
He is running near the front of the pack in early GOP presidential polls, but he has been dogged by the Bridgegate scandal, state budget challenges and ethical questions over tickets and a plane ride he received from Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys.
Political observers also say his path to the GOP nomination could be shrinking now that former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the party’s 2012 presidential nominee, and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush are considering bids.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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