Morristown: Too Soon For Christie Presidential Bid

Following a morning full of speculation on whether New Jersey Governor Chris Christie would announce his presidential bid at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, sources close to the governor have said Christie has decided to stay right here in The Garden State.

And, most of those Morristown Patch spoke with in town said that is the best decision.

"I think it's a little too soon, after only one-and-a-half years [as governor]," said Scott Bonnet, of Morristown. As a registered Democrat, Bonnet said, "It would have been challenging for me to vote for him either way. But, in light of the other Republican candidates, [a Christie presidential campaign] would have been very compelling. It would have been interesting."

Another registered Democrat, Denise Collins, of Pompton Lakes, said Christie for president might have compelled her to cross the aisle and vote GOP ... but, not until Barack Obama is no longer in office.

"I could have been swayed to vote [for Christie]," she said. "I think I would like to see him finish his term here. He's not ready yet. He may be really well-qualified in 2016–I may consider him at that point."

Still others were not entirely sure if Christie really was presidential material.

"I don't know if I really see Chris Christie in the national political scene," said Seref Holle, of New York. "He's strong minded, strong willed. He's got good characteristics. I may not agree with him on much, but I think he's well-suited to local government."

"I don't think he has done good things for education, and that's what America needs right now," said Sam Barnes, of Morristown. "I don't politically swing one way or another. I respect when he says he'll do something, he does it, I just don't agree with what he has done."

Local political figures in the Republican party were disappointed but supportive of the governor's decision to stay put.

"I think he's doing a terrific job," said Frank Vitolo, chairman of the Morristown Republican Committee. "There is unfinished business in the state. It would be great if he ran, because I think he would have a great shot against the president. He's a straight talker. He's tough, he's aggressive and I think he would have had a really good chance."

On Tuesday morning, Alison Deeb, the lone Republican council member in Morristown, was practically packing her bags to go campaign for a Christie presidency.

"If he runs, I'm going to run up to New Hampshire and be a volunteer," she said. "I think the country needs his kind of leadership right now. I don't agree with everything he says, but it would be great for New Jersey if he ran."

Despite Deeb's disappointment in the non-bid announcement, the consensus here was the decision was a good one.

"Stick to New Jersey," said Tony Rizza, of Roxbury.