Christie: ‘Disappointed’ not to be VP pick, but I’ve got plenty to do

In his first public comment since Donald Trump named Indiana Mike Pence his running mate, Gov. Chris Christie said he was "honored" to have been considered a contender for vice president.

"I like Mike a lot, as you guys know. I took Donald out there to meet Mike, because I thought it was so important to know him, because I think Mike is a really good guy. He's been an excellent governor," Christie said. The comments to a group of reporters at a hotel in Cleveland were captured on video by NJTV.

After speaking with the New Jersey delegation to the Republican National Convention on Sunday, Christie said he considers Pence him a friend.

"(Pence) is going to be a really good running mate for Donald and he's a friend. I'm glad he picked a governor, to tell you the truth. I think him having someone with governing experience is going to be really important to him after he's elected," Christie said.

Christie said he was "disappointed" not to be selected as a running mate but said he is happy to address the convention on Tuesday night, and has a busy schedule at the convention.

"Of course (I'm) disappointed. I don't get into anything I don't want to win. And so, when you're not picked, of course it's disappointing," Christie said. "I've been through this parade before, and I realize it's like getting hit by lighting. So, it didn't happen. That's fine. ... You get disappointed, you take a deep breath and you get ready for tomorrow. And here I am. I'll be speaking Tuesday night, I'm running the transition, and I have more things to do this week than I have time to do them,"

Christie said he believes Trump can win New Jersey in the general election because of his "long association" with the state.

"I think he's got a better chance to win the state than any Republican candidate we've had in recent memory. We'll see how hard he's going to work," Christie said.

Christie brushed off a question about whether animosity with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner cost him the vice presidential nomination. "I don't know what you're talking about," Christie said as he got into a waiting SUV and drove off.