Paul Ryan’s selection as Mitt Romney’s Republican vice presidential running mate has disappointed some in our area. They were hoping New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie would be selected instead.
Christie quickly supported the choice, but there are still important questions being asked about Christie’s political future.
“He knows that his star is set for perhaps 2016 if Obama wins re-election, or 2020 if it's a Romney win,” said political analyst Jeff Jubelirer.
Christie praised the selection of Ryan in a statement released by the Romney campaign Saturday saying the Romney-Ryan ticket is "a team that understands the economic stagnation our country has been facing the last four years and the urgency with which we need to change course.”
Love him or hate him, you certainly know how the governor feels as reporters, fellow politicians, town hall attendees and even NJ beach goers can attest.
“Did I say on topic, are you stupid,” Christie shouted to a reporter asking questions at a recent press conference.
And who can forget his famous pre-hurricane admonishment in 2011 for shore residents and vacationers to “get the hell off the beach.”
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But Christie's direct style may have cost him when Romney made his running mate decision, which was announced over the weekend.
“Romney is the CEO if you will of the ticket and he wouldn't want anybody to upend him and that's one of the factors that may have been considered," said Jubelirer. “He may have overshadowed some of what Mitt Romney will do.”
Jubelirer says Christie will still have a major role at the Republican National Convention and on the campaign trail. Christie is in demand as a fundraiser and has logged events in more than 30 states for Romney and other candidates.
NBC News reported last month that Christie would deliver the convention keynote speech, but his name has not appeared yet on the RNC’s list of speakers.
Some speculate that if Romney wins, Christie may have a place in his cabinet. As a former U.S. Attorney, some are already questioning whether Christie may be considered for Attorney General.
But that may not help his long-term political future or fit Christie's style.
“As governor of New Jersey, he stands and falls on his own merit and Chris Christie has an executive type of personality, said Jubelirer. “I don't know how well he would do in an administrative capacity or as a member of an administration and sort of taking the back seat. He wants to drive.”
If he chooses to run for a second term as governor, Christie will face reelection in 2013.
