NJ Gov. Christie says there’s ‘no shot’ he’ll run for president in 2012 election

Christie, a Republican Party darling since winning the governorship of deep-blue New Jersey in 2009, was virtually Shermanesque in rejecting a challenge to President Obama in two years.

“We’re not running for president, under any circumstances. No chance,” Christie said during an appearance on “Imus in the Morning” on the Fox Business Network. “Mrs. Christie would kick me out of the house; it would be over.”

Christie’s name has been bandied about as a dark-horse contender for the GOP presidential nomination in 2012, much like Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R), another winner last fall whose victory inspired optimism among Republicans going into 2010’s elections.

Republican activists have praised Christie for his blunt approach to politics, including his ambitious proposal to cut spending in New Jersey and his willingness to take on the state’s powerful unions.

Despite that praise, Christie emphatically denied any interest in running for the White House.

“Absolutely, entirely, no chance. In other words, Don, don’t bet the ranch on me running,” he said. “I’ll give a straight answer: No shot, no chance.”