Christie’s wife says resigning from job means time with kids

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) -- Speaking to reporters for the first time since resigning from her job on Wall Street, Gov. Chris Christie's wife said her husband has not yet decided whether to run for president in 2016.

Mary Pat Christie spoke Monday in Franklin Township after visiting a center for homeless pregnant women and teenagers who suffer from addiction or are victims of abuse.

Leaving her job will let her spend time with their two youngest children, ages 14 and 11, and the extra time will also allow her to travel with her husband, she said.

"I've been doing these things for five years and of course I'll be out with Chris as he goes around the state elsewhere as much as I can," she said.

When asked if that meant Gov. Christie had decided to run in 2016, Mary Pat Christie responded, "Absolutely not." But, she added, they do have many conversations about it.

Mary Pat has been the family's main breadwinner and reported earning more than $500,000 in the couple's 2013 tax filings.

April 24 was her last day as a managing director at Angelo, Gordon & Co.

Mary Pat Christie accompanied Chris Christie to New Hampshire last week for a 2016 campaign trip.

She previously told Matt Lauer on NBC's "Today" she had not decided if she would have to leave her job if her husband sought the presidency.

In the same interview, the governor said he would leave the decision to leave to her.

"Her career's really important to her. She shouldn't be asked to sacrifice that unless it's something that she wants to do."

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