Christie urges GOP to not rush the process

Gov. Chris Christie is telling his party to take their time picking a 2016 presidential nominee.

Speaking in California this weekend, Christie believes the GOP should not give in to pressure from pollsters, pundits, and donors.

"I promise you that over the next few months, you will see article after article arguing that our party can't afford a long nomination battle, we need to pick a nominee as soon as possible, that we have to unite behind whatever candidate appears to have the most money, the most endorsements or the best press coverage," Christie said.

The governor also reminded the crowd that Presidents Reagan and Obama did not win their respective party's nominations until just months before the general election.

The comments come as Christie faces mounting criticisms both here in New Jersey and across the country, and reportedly struggles to raise campaign money.

"Take a deep breath, everybody. We are 21 months away from electing our next president," he said to laughter.