Christie Declines Chance To Assume NGA Post

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has declined an opportunity to take over as vice chairman of the bipartisan National Governors Association.

A spokeswoman said Christie cited time constraints for the decision, noting the many "pressing issues" the state is facing. However, the first-term Republican will retain his seat on the NGA's nine-member executive committee.

Republican Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin was instead selected Sunday to serve as the NGA's vice chair.

Besides his work as New Jersey's chief executive and the NGA, Christie also serves as a surrogate for presumptive GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney and as vice chairman of the Republican Governors Association.

NGA members include the governors of the 50 U.S. states, three territories and two commonwealths.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)