New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie dismissed speculation Monday that he may yet be chosen to play a part in President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration.
When asked about it on the monthly “Ask the Governor” radio show on New Jersey 101.5, Christie said, “I intend to be governor until Jan. 18 of 2018.” He added, “that’s what I want to do, and that’s what I intend to do.”
Christie met with Trump over the weekend in New Jersey as the president-elect continued his search for candidates to fill out his administration.
Christie was once rumored to be in the running for Trump’s running mate, before Indiana Gov. Mike Pence got the job. He was also reportedly being looked at for attorney general, but that nomination has been bestowed upon Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions.
Once a former rival of Trump’s in the Republican primaries, Christie was quick to support the billionaire businessman after he ended his campaign. He appeared with Trump at multiple rallies through the remainder of his presidential run. In recent weeks Christie was demoted after he reportedly flubbed the early phases of Trump’s White House transition operation. That role was given to Pence.
Another issue that has dogged Christie is the lingering damage done to his image from the Bridgegate scandal. Two of Christie’s appointees were convicted this month for playing roles in the illegal closure of lanes on the George Washington Bridge in 2013; a third had already pleaded guilty.
While Christie was not charged, all three appointees testified that the governor was aware of the scandal, despite claiming ignorance.
