Christie not on CPAC's guest list
(CNN) – It’s considered a key speaking engagement for any Republican considering a bid for president, but one potential 2016 candidate didn’t get an invitation to this year’s Conservative Political Action Conference.
Someone close to CPAC said Monday that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie wasn’t asked to attend by organizers of the event, which will take place in mid-March at a resort outside Washington. Officially, CPAC says they’re finalizing this year’s schedule.
Other Republicans who are thought to be considering presidential bids and are on the CPAC speaking list include Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who was announced as a speaker earlier Monday.
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin are also on the roster, along with former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, who was a 2012 Republican presidential candidate; former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush; and Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin.
Mitt Romney, the GOP's 2012 presidential nominee, will also speak at the conference.
Many Republicans voiced anger at Christie for praising President Barack Obama’s response to Superstorm Sandy, which swept through his state days before last November’s election. Later, Christie publically blasted Republican lawmakers for stalling passage of emergency funds for Sandy victims.
The outspoken governor defended himself against charges he helped swing the election to Obama, however, saying on CNN that "When the president does things that deserve praise, I will give him praise. And when the president does things that deserve scorn, I'll give him scorn."
"I am not going to play politics with this issue, this is so much bigger than an election," Christie continued. "When someone asks me an honest question, I give an honest answer: 'How's the president been to deal with?' He's been outstanding to deal with on this.”
CPAC, which touts itself as the largest annual gathering of conservative leaders and activists, turns 40 this year and will be held March 14-16 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Maryland near Washington.
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Hey, Chris. Don't sweat it too much. CPAC has been taken over by the branch of the Republican party that has been losing elections. If I were you, I would definitely promote this to the rest of the country as an asset. Not being invited to speak at a convention that wants to return the country to an "Ozzie and Harriet" 1950s version that never actually existed really shouldn't hurt you that much. After all, these guys chose Ron Paul as their Straw Poll nominee.
So far this Republican does not see anyone of that CPAC list as a viable 2016 presidential candidate anyway. Or more correctly, anyone for whom he would vote in 2016. If the Tea Party/conservatives force one of their own on the ticket, I will probably vote for the Democratic nominee, even if it Joe Biden (shudder).
The GOP bid to completely destroy their party was being slowed by Christie and his support. He has a chance to win so he is out of the GOP.
Actually CPAC (and all the lunacy they put on public display) is really doing the United States a huge favor- anyone vetted there is totally unsuitable for any leadership post in this nation in 2014.
The GOP is aborting people now?
This actually HELPS Christie's prospects...... Almost as if this was a calculated move...
Chris Christie is too good for that group. He should start the 'new' Republican party and leave all those, except Jeb Bush, behind. The 'new' or essentially revised party should include types like Joe Scarborough, Colin Powell and Jon Huntsman. If this doesn't happen the Republicans will never win the White House again.
The question isn't how much Christie needs the republicans, it's how much the republicans need him. He's the only sane voice that can generate new voters.
The GOP needs to read some history books and become Republicans again. Just being Pro American would be nice.
The one republican that actually has a chance. Makes perfect sense.
Now all we need is ol Man McCain to admit that this is payback.
" I voted against the Republican Party" You have to be barking mad to support these clowns when times are hard. All they want is to keep their hands in your pocket. "Conservatism" has been replaced with modern radicalism.
We'll have you, Chris!
The Democratic Party
" The country is ready for a libertarian." Get real. Rand Paul's no libertarian. He's a Randite anarchist wearing a GOP hat.
This is the beginning of the end for the GOP. All this talk about re-evaluating their position, rethinking their values ... they simply gone hard-core in their delusional politics. They found themselves in a hole and decided to continue digging at a faster, more fervent, pace. Now they are snubbing their most viable candidates ..... at this rate .... 2016 will be a cake walk for the Democrats compared to the last one.
This is good news for Christie!