Christie — I have ‘every intention’ of staying in New Jersey

ATLANTIC CITY — Gov. Chris Christie says he has "every intention" completing his term as governor — and would have a lot of things to consider if asked to join the Trump administration.

In an interview with Atlantic City WPG Talk Radio 104.1 host Harry Hurley, Christie said he would consider an offer to be part of the Trump administration — but the former presidential candidate said leaving Trenton was never part of his political plan.

"I've been getting these questions ever since I endorsed Trump at the end of February 2016," said Christie, adding that he only wanted to get the "best person in the White House."

And Christie told Hurley, "I have every intention of staying" in New Jersey — at least as things stand now.

He said that since Trump's win a week ago, "drama from unnamed sources" has stirred up questions and speculation about his future plans.

The New York Post reported this week multiple sources close to the Trump campaign described the presidential-elect as "disgusted" with Christie — in part for allowing others to be punished for the George Washington Bridge "Bridgegate" lane closings while he escaped charges.

“He believes 100 percent that Christie was behind it all,” one source said, reiterating what Trump told a crowd in North Carolina in December 2015, according to the Post report.

"None of that really matters. I can tell you this. I've spoken to the president elect often in the last six days and what I've said to him is that if there's a way I can be helpful that's meaningful Mary Pat and I will consider it," Christie said.

Christie was the head of Trump's transition team during the campaign but was named a vice chairman after Trump named Vice President-elect Mike Pence to the position.

Christie added that his younger children, 10th grader Patrick and eighthgrader Bridget, will also be key factor in his decision making process.

"These are very sensitive times for kids. We have a lot of big decisions to make about where our family would be headquartered" and whether his children could somehow continue attending the same schools.

"It's not just a decision about my career and my future. It's about my family's future and their comfort ... and future of the people of the state of New Jersey, who gave me eight years. I'll try to balance out those things if I have a decision to make. "

Christie said that after Trump makes all the decisions over the next 65 days about who will serve in his administration, "he knows that after 14 years that no matter what he decides we're still going to l be friends and as I was there to help him during the campaign I'll be there to help him as president."

WPG Talk Radio is owned by Townsquare Media, as is New Jersey 101.5.

Chris Coleman contributed to this report

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

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