Chris ChristieTurned Down Opportunity to Give SOTU Republican Response

In a way this was NJ Governor Chris Christie's firm response to those who ask about his desire to seek National office. According to the Newark Star Ledger, the NJ Governor whose fiscal policies and blunt talk is quickly making him a favorite of conservatives was offed the opportunity to give the Republican response to the State of the Union Address but declined saying that he wants to remain focused on New Jersey.

According to the report, the information came from Bill Palatucci, Christie’s former law partner. Palatucci said the governor had been contacted by Republican leadership to see whether .e was interested in giving the party’s official response.

“The governor is in the midst of his legislative agenda,” Palatucci said. “There’s no reason to try to get involved in federal issues.”

Although Christie has not shied from the national spotlight, Palatucci said the governor does not want to become entangled in the federal debate. Responding to the president’s speech would do just that.

 Christie also turned down an opportunity to speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February which is a key showcase for aspiring Conservatives.

“I can only tell you that the governor receives hundreds of speaking and appearance invitations every month, many of which are declined for a number of reasons,” Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak said in an e-mail. “As with our other declinations, I don’t see the need to explain it to The Star-Ledger.”

His desire to focus on his business at hand is just another great trait of the NJ Governor who is making the difficult decisions to bring NJ into solvency.  Not many other politicians have given up opportunities to shine on a national platform because they want to be seen as concentrating on his present position.