Christie has championed private investment since taking office, but developers may lose confidence in the state's commitment to certain projects if the governor seeks the Oval Office
Gov. Chris Christie listens as Casino Reinvestment Development Authority Executive Director John Palmieri speaks in Atlantic City last month. If Christie seeks the presidency this year, private investors may lose confidence in the state's commitment to certain projects in the state, including Atlantic City.TRENTON — Private investors might hesitate to spend up to hundreds of millions of dollars into plans to redevelop Atlantic City if Gov. Chris Christie seeks the Oval Office, according to a report on NorthJersey.com.
The revitalization of Atlantic City has been one of Christie's main priorities since taking office last year, and he's aimed to attract private funding to advance stalled projects. But if Christie engages in a cross-country campaign for president — or is elected — the confidence investors have in the state's commitment to Atlantic City and similar initiatives will fade away, the report said.
"The bottom line here is, would we be better off as far as completing these projects if Christie remains in New Jersey?" asked James Kehoe, the chairman of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. "The answer's yes."
And that confidence won't be replaced even if Lt. Gov. Kim Gaudagno assumes the governorship in Christie's absence, despite her pro-business record, the report said.
Related coverage:
• As Chris Christie considers presidential run, past contests provide clues into governor's thinking
• Chris Christie's record comes under scrutiny from Washington pols and pundits
• Gov. Chris Christie quiet about possible 2012 presidential run
• Chris Christie seriously considering run for president in 2012
• Christie's window of opportunity is getting smaller, experts say