Gov. Chris Christie bet his political career on a Trump victory and it’s changed the political calculus for him and for New Jersey. For that Anchor Mary Alice Williams turned to Chief Political Correspondent Michael Aron.
Williams: What do you think?
Aron: Well I think that Trump’s victory means job opportunities for Chris Christie in Washington. There had been reports earlier this week that he was drifting away from the Trump campaign. It’s true that he skipped the last two presidential debates, he hadn’t been seen with Donald Trump in a while. I think that really turned out to be more about Bridgegate. He was on trial and I think he just wanted to keep a low profile, not stand with Donald Trump while that trial was taking place. And now we saw last night he’s back in the fold. He was right on the stage. Trump called out three names: [Rudy] Giuliani, Christie and Jeff Sessions as people he was indebted to. So there could be something for Christie down there.
Williams: But given Bridgegate can he stand confirmation for, for instance, a cabinet position?
Aron: I spoke to two Republicans today who think that if he’s going to get an appointment it would be in a position that would not require Senate confirmation. He’s a lightning rod for controversy. He’s unpopular with certain Democrats. A confirmation hearing might be a circus. So instead of Attorney General which requires confirmation, these people are thinking maybe White House chief of staff, which would be a real plum, and might match Christie’s skill set.
Williams: If he takes an administrative job in Washington and moves there what happens here?
Aron: Kim Guadagno, the lieutenant governor, becomes governor. And since we know she’s interested in running for governor that gives her quite a leg up. She’d be an incumbent governor running for a full term. The one Republican who would be challenging her — Jack Ciatterelli from the Assembly — might decide not to do it. He might withdraw rather than try to take on a sitting governor. And Phil Murphy, or whichever Democrat emerges, would also find it tougher to take on someone who has the trappings of power and all of the powers of the New Jersey governor.
Williams: What’s the likelihood of him leaving?
Aron: I think the likelihood is pretty good. It’s a big stage, Washington D.C., and there are 300 million people paying attention instead of the 8 million in New Jersey. I said to one Republican today, “do you think he wants to go to D.C.?” And the guy’s answer was, “Do you think he wants to stay here?” He’s having a little trouble here these days.
Williams: Michael Aron, thank you.