FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has said "no" just about every way imaginable when it comes to a presidential run in 2012.
But with a splintered Republican field and lack of enthusiasm, many GOP donors are hoping that "no" really means "yes."
And this time it might. Former New Jersey Governor Tom Kean tells the National Review that Christie is "very seriously" considering running.
Politico reports that he will decide in about a week.
As Rick Perry seems to be fizzling out, supporters think there's a rare historic opportunity for Christie to jump in.
Here's the thing: Chris Christie is the rare politician who does what he says.
As New Jersey governor, he's made tough budget cuts and taken on teachers unions and other entrenched interests.
Christie is pro-life - but not an ideologue - and he doesn't engage in the more extreme rhetoric of the tea party.
As one top Republican who watched Rick Perry's debate performance put it, Christie "can string a sentence together."
Christie's aides tell the Wall Street Journal that the governor has received a "relentless" stream of calls over the last week urging him to run; but they insist that his answer is still "no."
And there are several reasons Christie might yet decide to sit this one out:
He has no national fundraising apparatus. He's been governor for less than two years - which limits his record.
Christie himself has said he doesn't feel in his heart that he is "ready"... and Politico reports a source close to Christie says the governor doesn't think he's prepared on all the issues and is "leery of learning on the fly."
Here’s my question to you: Should Chris Christie join the Republican race?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
John:
I don't think he would fit in. He doesn't seem to be a racist. I think he may be a reasonable guy. He can get a whole sentence out without his mouth filling up with crap and he sounds intelligent. Nope, he just doesn't fit in.
Tom:
This election belongs to the incumbent. Serious candidates will protect their image and show up in 2016 rather than take on Obama in 2012. That includes Jeb Bush as well as Governor Christie. That is why this field of candidates stinks.
Jeff in Bossier City, Louisiana:
I'd vote for him and I'm a liberal Democrat!
Denis in North Carolina:
I would say no because he needs more experience. He is young enough that a future race with all the experience that he will gain will give him a good shot. Running a state versus the country is a big step so you do not want to fail.
Annie in Atlanta:
You're in a better position to answer this than I am. Isn't he your governor? From the little exposure we've had to him, not sure how that Northeast tough-guy attitude would play nationally. Personally, I find it refreshing, but Chicago's my home town. Southern women may get the vapors.
Rachel in Fresno California on Facebook:
I think it would be a great strategic move for the Republican Party. I believe he is the only Republican who has a shot at winning. I'm a Democrat, and even I would certainly consider giving him my vote. I'm sure other Democrats feel the same way.
Rex in Oregon:
Oh please, Chris, join. The libertarian fringe is represented. The lunatic narcissistic frumps are represented. The holy roller Bible thumpers are represented. The rich business tycoons are represented. Us fat people need a representative, so go for it!