Republican Christie will not seek US presidency in 2012

AFP - Republican Governor Chris Christie announced Tuesday he would not be seeking the US presidency in 2012, saying "now is not my time" and recommmiting himself to the people of New Jersey.

Christie, a popular governor in a traditionally Democratic state, had been under pressure from some Republicans, unhappy with the current field, to run and take on President Barack Obama in November 2012.

"Over the last few weeks I've thought long and hard about this decision," the 49-year-old rising star told reporters, announcing his decision at the New Jersey state house in Trenton.

"When you have serious people from across the spectrum, not to mention from all across the country passionately calling on you to do something as consequential as running for president of the United States, I felt an obligation to earnestly consider their advice," he said.

"I've explored the options and listened to so many people and considered whether this was something that I needed to take on. But in the end, what I've always felt was the right decision remains the right decision today. Now is not my time."

His decision will disappoint those in the Republican party unhappy with the current crop of candidates in a race so far dominated by former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, a Mormon, and conservative Texas Governor Rick Perry.