NJ Gov. Christie won't run for 2012 GOP presidential nomination

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie today announced he would not run for president, refusing to bow to pressure from GOP donors, fans and luminaries clamoring for another option in the search for a strong Republican to challenge President Barack Obama next fall.

"Now is not my time," Christie told reporters at the New Jersey Statehouse.

His decision means that three months before voting is set to begin, the Republican race remains focused on two men — former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

The famously blunt, budget-cutting governor in office not even two years had spent the past few days reconsidering his longtime refusals to run for the GOP presidential nomination in light of encouragement from GOP leaders.

"I felt the obligation to earnestly consider their advice," Christie said. "Over the last few weeks, I've thought long and hard about this decision."

Ultimately, he decided against it on Monday evening.