Governor's announcement generated swift reaction from around the Garden State and the nation Watch video
TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie's announcement this afternoon to not seek the presidency generated a quick response from around the Garden State and the nation. Here's a look at some of the more memorable reactions to the governor's address.
WHAT CHRISTIE SAID
"So this is not the time to leave unfinished business for me. The stakes are too high and the consequences are too real. So New Jersey, whether you like it or not, you’re stuck with me."
"I have interest in being employed in the future and I’m not going to preclude any employment in the future.’’ — on whether he is interested in running for president in the future.
"As this all started to accumulate over the past couple of months, Mary Pat and I just decided we better really rethink this. And so we did. But in the end, my commitment to the state is what overrode everything else.’’
"What I care most about is that the country is better and I think the country is better by making sure that President Obama is a one-termer.’’ — on whether he thinks this may have been his one chance to run for president.
"Now is not my time.’’
THE REACTION
"We are happy to be stuck with you Gov Christie. Will continue to work with you to make New Jersey more affordable & business friendly’’ — tweet from Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande (R-Monmouth)
"Serious people are now taking us seriously. That’s a massive shift in credibility from where we were before this governor was sworn in." — Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth)
"We will now forever be perplexed as he governs New Jersey whether or not he is going to make policy choices and seek a policy agenda that’s reflective of what fits best for our state or whether he is looking to develop a track record that is leveraged for the national GOP." — Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-Essex)
"As the majority leader of the Democratic caucus, I’ve been focused on retaining our majorities, not the governor’s sideshow. In my view, he has fleeced the national Republican Party in order to raise money for his local races." — Assemblyman Joseph Cryan (D-Union)
"Thankfully, we can now move ahead and focus on the real issues that are (affecting) the people of this state." — Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester)
"For the last two years my colleagues and I have been working with Governor Christie to right New Jersey’s ship of state. During that time we have made great progress toward making New Jersey more affordable." Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean (R-Union).
"Even though he may not have wanted it to, this kind of national hulabaloo means he may have lost a little bit of focus on New Jersey issues. He’s going to have to get back into that." — Montclair State University political science professor Brigid Harrison.
"I believe on a national stage, one reason he pulled the plug on a presidential campaign (is) that he came to the reality that many of us have already come to: that you can’t run successfully for president if you don’t have a successful record as governor.’’ — Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex)
"It’s great we’re no longer going to be fodder for late night – Letterman, Leno, everything else.’’ — Sen. Kevin O’Toole (R-Essex)
"How could he not run? I got pencils with his name on them. How are we going to sell these on eBay now?" – Maynard Magee, tourist from California, after buying souvenirs at the Statehouse.
"Good. Now Chris Christie and I can hang out.’’ — tweet from actor Alec Baldwin