NJ GOV. CHRISTIE ANNOUNCES RE-ELECTION BID

Source: AP


By ANGELA DELLI SANTI

— Nov. 26 4:31 PM EST

MIDDLETOWN, N.J. (AP) — His popularity surging because of his handling of Superstorm Sandy, Gov. Chris Christie announced Monday that he will seek re-election so he can continue leading the state through a recovery effort he said will extend past his first term.

"The public needs to know that I'm in this for the long haul, that the person who has helped to lead them through the initial crisis wants to help lead them through the rebuilding and restoration of our state," he said at a news briefing in Middletown, where he had come to thank first responders and volunteers.

"It would be wrong for me to leave now," the 50-year-old Republican governor said. "I don't want to leave now. We have a job to do. That job won't be finished by next year."

The gubernatorial election is a year from now. Christie said he made his decision after talking with his family over the weekend. He said his wife and four children, ages 9 to 19, were unanimous in their decision he should run again.

Read more: http://www.bigstory.ap.org/article/ap-sources-christie-files-seek-re-election