What likely come as no shock to New Jerseyans, Governor Chris Christie will seek re-election in 2013.

Christie returned from Thanksgiving break to file the proper paperwork to seek re-election.  The governor is enjoying a popularity surge due to his hands-on response to Superstorm Sandy.

The Press of Atlantic City explains that this step allows Christie to set up a campaign headquarters, hire staff, and raise money for his campaign.

The announcement happened in Middletown (Monmouth County) where the 50-yr-old governor said, "the people need to know that I'm in this for the long haul - it would be wrong for me to leave now.  I have to finish a job that six weeks ago I never anticipated having".

Christie surprised many when he won in 2009 by some 86,000 votes as a Republican in a decisively Democratic-leaning state. His national profile has become huge over the last year. He was the first governor to endorse Mitt Romney for president, he helped raise over $18 Million for the GOP nominee, became his strongest surrogate for the Romney campaign while maintaining his loyalty to The Garden State.

It is not expected that Christie will face opposition within his party for the nomination.  On the other side, there is a chance Newark Mayor Cory Booker would seek the Democratic nomination.  If this happens, the race in NJ will will be seen on a national stage between two men who many feel have a future beyond the Garden State.

This scenario may not materialize if rumors are true that Booker may look to run for the U.S. Senate should Frank Lautenberg decide to retire - he turns 89 in January.

 

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