Republicans pin hopes on a reluctant candidate

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.

But there is one clear problem. Christie himself has repeatedly, and in no uncertain terms, said he will not enter the race.

Even if he does, the popular New Jersey politician will have to face down 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.

Christie’s star has risen fast in conservative circles since stealing the New Jersey governorship away from Democrats in 2009. But the clever money was on the 49-year-old being one to watch for the future, as opposed to an immediate candidate for the presidency.

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 the governor in the hope that he will enter the race.

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

Challengers from the right of the party have seen their campaigns falter.

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 nose-dive.

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 front-runner. But many remain sceptical over both his Mormon faith and his record on healthcare, which is likely to be a major election issue.

The conditions look set for a white knight challenger to enter the race, but Christie has said on numerous occasions that it would not be him.

The New Jersey governor has acknowledged that nothing “short of suicide” would convince people that he is not running, but still they ask.

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

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

Republican pollster Dan Judy said he thought it was “unlikely” that the New Jersey governor would enter the race.

“It is getting very late in the game to organise a campaign team and get money together,” Judy said.

He added: “Christie has become a folk hero among the Right. But he doesn’t have a lot of experience on the big stage.”

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, 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 Christie’s size in campaign ads ahead of 2009’s New Jersey election backfired for his Democrat opponent.

Likewise, jibes in the media have largely been met with criticism.

“People will talk about his weight, but I think the vast majority of voters are going to make decisions on his political positions rather than his weight,” Judy said.