Des Moines, Iowa (CNN) - A Republican close to Chris Christie says the pressure is intensifying on him to join the presidential race but insists that the New Jersey governor's mind has not changed.
"I think that anybody could change their mind, but I don't see any evidence of that," the source told CNN Wednesday. "They continue to be pestering him and urging him to run."
The source said the pressure on Christie "ratcheted up" on the aftermath of the Ames, Iowa Straw Poll, which effectively forced former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty out of the race.
And in a sign of the campaign's ongoing fluidity, Texas Gov. Rick Perry has dominated coverage of the GOP nomination battle after just five days in the race.
Rumors about Christie and Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan spiked in the days after the straw poll, as establishment Republicans and donors continue to search for a candidate who can not only win the GOP nomination but defeat President Barack Obama in 2012.
Reports surfaced Wednesday about focus groups being conducted on Christie's behalf ahead of a possible presidential bid. Two sources denied that and said the governor's top political advisers are currently on vacation.
Christie adviser Mike DuHaime also issued a flat on-the-record denial about the focus story: "The report is untrue," he said.
"I know he is getting a ton of calls and the pressure is ratcheting up, but as far as I know, his head is still where it's always been," one of the sources told CNN.
– CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser contributed to this story.
From CNN Politics
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Excuse me for saying it, but the 500 lb gorilla in the room is.......
Christie would be great, but I think he should fix New Jersey first. The top 6 republican candidates are all better than Obama (and more experienced in things that matter). Mitt Romney would be awesome.
He would create a lot of jobs, widening all the doorways the White House.
I liked him in those Austin Powers movies.
IF republicans truly think Christie is the answer to Obama RUN HIM. If not shut the hell up.
Great – another GOP idiot is is thinking about jumping in. Just a month ago he said he wouldn't run. Is God talking to this tub of lard now? This clown will really bring the country together with his flammable comments.
Yeah...makes perfect sense....guy is rapidly losing approval in his own state for his ideological policy crap...so let's inflict him on the rest of the nation too!
He knows he cannot win in the General Election, that is why he is not running, Sure, he will get 18% of the vote from the teapers, but the other 72% of us will not vote for him and he knows it. Besides, I don't want a guy running my country who is 2 seconds away friom dropping dead from a heart attack. Christie, I know their is a gym in the Govenors Mansion in New Jersey, mix in some time on the treadmill and back away from the table
do not get into this mud...o.k, you are better off where you are, dude, fatty....
"I think that anybody could change their mind, but I don't see any evidence of that," the source told CNN Wednesday. "They continue to be pestering him and urging him to run."
WHO??? Doggone it!!! WHO thinks that??? I thought the "GREAT WHITE HOPE" was already in the ring – Perry. Let Perry and Bachmann run since the RIGHT feels they are so RIGHTEOUS!!!
Christie's HEALTH is keeping him from running and everyone that's out there "forcing" him to get in the ring is only EMBARASSING him!!! Jeez!!!
I thought he was talking about his weight and how he's eventually going to explode.
He should finish his term. There is nothing that makes him better than any other GOP cant-idate.
Oh Please.. This guy is a MicDs sandwish away from heart attack. He would never get thru the hectic primary schedule before having a massive coronary. He is that close to a heart attack. Just take a look at his neck. You can imagine what his poor coronaries are blocked with. I could not be him, but if I were, God forbids, I would be more concerned with my health than trying to get one of the most stresful job on the planet that would definately cause him to drop dead given his obvious predispositon.
He's too fat and unhealthy to be president
Christie is looking to 2016. He's going to let the Repub crazies fight it out for the nomination in 2012, then get steamrolled by Obama, and he'll be ready in 2016.
A Republican close to Chris Christie says the pressure is intensifying on him to get on a treed mill , go to the gym , put down the fork and ride a bike !
Aaaahhhh – the ultimate dream ticket – CHRISTIE/PERRY!!!
This guy is smart not to run. The rap sheet is just as long on hom as the other candidates. He has a good thing going right where he is at.
The question is why?
Christie is eyeing 2016. Question is, will his heart last that long?
He may not want to run but sometimes we need to sacrifice for a greater good. Perry might lose and 4 more years of Obama would spell the end of not only America but the free world.
Christie could never handle the physical stress of running for POTUS. Just look at the guy; it's amazing he hasn't keeled over from a coronary already! (Plus, his policies stink!)
His blood pressure? From the looks of him, this could be about 220 over 180!
There is no way that "The Big Apple" is mounting a presidential campaign at this late date. Besides, he would be cutting and running on state budget that is a complete mess of his own creation. On second thought, a self-inflicted budget crisis didn't stop Perry from cutting and running for POTUS.
Aha-ha! Run Christy, Run! Come join the other laughing stock GOP clowns already running. You really think this country is going to vote for a candidate blowhard who looks like they're going to have a massive coronary any minute! The pressure would do him in for sure. The GOP is so pathetically desparate until it's funny.