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New Jersey 'stuck with' Chris Christie

Willard M. Romney should consider himself one lucky dude today.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announcing his decision to forgo a 2012 run at a press conference in Trenton, New Jersey on Tuesday.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announcing his decision to forgo a 2012 run at a press conference in Trenton, New Jersey on Tuesday.

Willard M. Romney should consider himself one lucky dude today. His chances of nabbing the Republican nomination are looking that much brighter now that Chris Christie bowed out of a 2012 run.

The New Jersey governor announced he won't run for president, to the dismay of many Republicans just not that into the current field.

"For months, I've been adamant about the fact that I would not run for president," he said. "For me, the answer was never anything but 'no.'"

Christie flirted with a 2012 run after mounting calls for him to jump into the race, but ultimately decided to stick with his day job.

"In the end, what I've always felt was the right decision remains the right decision today: now is not my time. I have a commitment to New Jersey that I simply will not abandon," Christie said today in a press conference. "So, New Jersey, whether you like it or not, you're stuck with me."

Republicans across the country are now stuck with the weak field of candidates. A new Washington Post-ABC News puts Willard in the lead with 25 percent of the vote. Rick Perry's sliding down in numbers — he's now tied with Herman Cain in second place with 16 percent of the vote. The same poll shows Obama beating Romney 47 to 46 percent.

Check out video of Christie's entire statement below.