Reluctant hero of Republicans says fat chance he will run for White House

Republicans in search of a credible challenger to president Barack Obama are increasingly pinning their hopes on a literal heavyweight who refuses to run.

New Jersey governor Chris Christie is being touted by many conservatives as the ideal candidate to contend next year’s run-off for the White House.

However, Mr Christie has said he will not enter the race – even though his strategists were reportedly this weekend considering whether they could mobilise a nationwide campaign for him with less than 100 days until voting is likely to begin.

Those pushing Mr Christie to run include Rupert Murdoch, former secretary of state Henry Kissinger, Nancy Reagan, widow of president Ronald Reagan, and the conservative propagandist William Kristol. Even if he does if run, Mr Christie will have to face questions, not only over his experience but also on his physical build.

Sensitive though the subject may be, it remains to be seen if in an age when political leaders tend towards being fit and lean, America is ready to elect an obese president.

Until recently, it was a question that most people thought could be put off until at least 2016’s election.

Mr Christie’s star has risen fast in conservative circles since stealing the New Jersey governorship from Democrats in 2009.

However, the clever money was on the 49-year-old being one to watch, as opposed to an immediate candidate for the presidency.

Mr Christie himself has said he does feel ready to run this time around.

But it hasn’t stopped many within Republican ranks from beating the drum for him.

It reflects a growing unease over the current crop of Republican contenders vying for a shot at the White House.

Former House speaker Newt Gingrich’s bid failed to get off the ground, while Tea Party favourite Michele Bachmann rose to the top of the pile only to see her popularity nosedive.

Texas governor Rick Perry looks like he could suffer the same fate. The right-winger was riding high before a dire performance in a televised debate.

Meanwhile, moderate contenders have failed to create much energy.

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney is still seen as a frontrunner. But many remain sceptical over both his Mormon faith and his record on healthcare, which is likely to be a major election issue.

Mr Christie has acknowledged that nothing “short of suicide” would convince people that he is not running, but still they ask.

At an event last Tuesday at the Reagan Presidential Library, one voter begged him to change his mind.

Mr Christie said he was “touched” by the plea, but he failed to move any closer to throwing his hat into the ring.

The New Jersey governor has impressed many party bigwigs by slashing the state’s budget deficit and capping property tax increases. But his record on social and environmental issues may put him at odds with the Republican right.

As to his weight, Republican pollster Dan Judy said it would not be a big issue in a country where more than a third of adults are obese.

Attempts to make fun of Mr Christie’s size in campaign ads ahead of 2009’s New Jersey election backfired for his Democrat opponent.