Chris Christie Not Getting Involved in Senate Primary

Gov. Chris Christie says he's staying out of the special primary election for U.S. Senate but will find some time to help the winner in the fall.

Christie said Wednesday that his main focus is on running his own re-election campaign.

The Republican said he has a good relationship with Steve Lonegan, the former Bogota mayor who is seeking the nod. But Christie said he's "not going to get involved" now.

Lonegan is facing physician Alieta Eck in the Aug. 13 primary. The winner advances to the Oct. 16 special election to fill the rest of the term of the late Frank Lautenberg.

Lonegan did pick up the endorsement of a national political figure Wednesday. Phyllis Schlafly announced that her Eagle Forum political action committee is supporting him.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)