Washington (CNN) - House Republican leaders haven't endorsed any of the GOP candidates for president, but they've invited one of former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney's high profile surrogates - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie - to address their annual retreat in Baltimore on Friday, according to two senior House GOP aides.
Christie is not only a popular national figure, but he's been a close political ally of House Republicans. He helped them raise money as the headliner for the annual fundraiser last spring in Washington for the House GOP's campaign committee, which took in $10 million for House races.
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The three day meeting in Baltimore this week will focus on legislative and political strategy for 2012, so the presidential campaign –and how the House GOP deals with President Barack Obama's strategy to campaign against the Republican led House of Representatives– will undoubtedly be a topic of conversation.
House Speaker John Boehner and other top House GOP leaders have deliberately avoided weighing in on the Republican 2012 race, in part because they didn't want to comment on bids by their House colleagues – Texas Republican Rep. Ron Paul is competing for the nomination, and Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann sought the top spot on the GOP ticket, but dropped out after her poor showing in the Iowa caucuses. Paul is campaigning in South Carolina this week and is unlikely to attend the Baltimore session.
Politico first reported Monday that Christie would attend the GOP retreat.
Follow Deirdre Walsh on Twitter: @deirdrewalshcnn
Also see:
Paul scores sought after endorsement in South Carolina
From CNN Politics
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The blimp is on the move again......
I hope they are covering the costs and NOT NJ taxpayers!!!! He should have run because he is on the campaign trail enough. I guess he'll get the VP nod!!!!
He is the rudest and most obnoxious politician in the country!!
He said he was glad the twinkies factory didn't close.He'd have nightmares not eating those heart stopping delights.I'm glad he has good health insurance,he'll need it.I heard they're building a conveyer belt to his table from the kitchen ,at the retreat at his request,saves time,less wear and tear on the waiters,help...
Truth blah blah blogged yesterday that he (or she) wanted to see Michelle Obama's measurements. I still feel that he (or she0 should also ask to see Christie's bra.
Fla Pete, that was a good one. From Fla Sal
As long as the GOP is retreating.....
The Kock Bros love Christie. Christie is a rude blowheart NJ you can do better.
Gov. Christie is a textbook example of why line item vetoes are bad politics. Christie faces a Democratic legislature. He reached a "compromise" with them, which included legislation that both sides wanted. The state legislature passed the "compromise bill" and Christie vetoed all of his "concessions" line by line. The NJ Democrats were apoplectic over the deception that he pulled. Republicans nationwide hailed Christie as a result.
Christie is a bully.
willie floyd
He is the rudest and most obnoxious politician in the country!!
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So what? He is honest. He is honest and straightforward to the point of appearing rude and obnoxious...to people who don't agree with his message. I do. He stands up for the citizens, the taxpayers and the next generations of Americans. I'll take that over kind and likeable every day.
The thing that really made my day was the use of "GOP" and "retreat" in the headline...I LIKE that combination.
a big bully
Just as Romney's attidudes and approach divides Americans, Christie's attitudes, approach and physical condition illustrate why Romneycare or Obamacare or Medicate is so costly in the US. FAT CATS and CORPORATE GREED cost the taxpayer plenty. Hope that Christie has a good Health Care Plan or Insurance for his "final expenses".
@Whatever -he will probably end up w/ Rubio – b/c if his Veep is Christie – Obama will definitely be re-elected.
and @FLa Pete – If he doesn't have a heart attack within the nxt 2 yrs, he's gonna be in trouble. I'll bet NBC would be happy to have him on the Biggest Loser Ranch.