Wait, shouldn't we at least expect to see some results before fawning all over this guy? The previously discussed "Texas Miracle" turned out to be a federal government welfare case. Likewise, Christie's actions are already costing the state money and to date, there's little sign of an economic revival. With as much complaining as the GOP did in 2008 campaign about Obama's limited experience, you would think they might hold themselves to their own standard. In the America that I know, we like to see results but maybe I'm old fashioned that way.
"Chris Christie has shown responsible spending cuts can be achieved even in a usually blue state like New Jersey," said Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, one of several likely presidential candidates arguing that the Christie model could — and should — be replicated across the country.
Pundit Ann Coulter elicited cheers in the audience when she said, "If we don't run Chris Christie, Mitt Romney will be the nominee and we will lose." And Christie earned higher support in the conference's presidential preference poll than Sarah Palin or Mike Huckabee, who both also skipped the gathering but are far better known.
While 2012 may not be in his sights, Christie is bolstering his national image. He had a major platform for Wednesday's speech, the same day the Republican Governors Association named him a vice chairman of policy.
