RGA elevates Govs. Christie, Walker

The Republican Governors Association has given two of the country’s highest-profile governors bigger roles, electing New Jersey’s Chris Christie to the organization’s No. 2 position and promoting Wisconsin’s Scott Walker to the executive committee.

Christie, who has repeatedly denied any intention to run for president in 2012 despite insistent pleas from Republicans across the country, has been named vice chairman, which puts him second in command at the fundraising and campaign organization, after RGA Chairman Bob McDonnell, the governor of Virginia. Christie was already a member of the group’s leadership, serving as policy vice chairman.

Walker, whom Democrats are fighting to recall following his move to curb collective-bargaining rights in Wisconsin, will fill the executive committee spot Texas Gov. Rick Perry vacated when he announced his presidential run.

McDonnell said Christie and Walker represent the type of leadership needed to move the country forward.

“Both have closed multibillion-dollar budget deficits, tackled unsustainable long-term liabilities in their states and are aggressively pursuing education reform,” McDonnell said in a news release announcing the leadership changes. “They are sending a powerful message to the nation that the toughest political issues can be solved, and they will be valuable members of the RGA’s leadership.”

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