Reagan Library speech fuels talk about Christie entering presidential race

With speculation rampant that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is eyeing an entrance into the Republican presidential primary, those in the political world will be watching a speech Tuesday at the Reagan Library with keen interest.

Christie is expected to speak on American exceptionalism and the legacy of President Reagan — ideal topics with which to launch a discussion of his own presidential ambitions, or lack thereof.

Christie has repeatedly denied interest in running. But in addition to the speech Tuesday at the Reagan Library in California, the governor fundraised in Missouri on Monday and will hold more events in California later Tuesday. Additionally, it was revealed that Christie took a unreported trip to Colorado last week to speak to a convention of wealthy donors. 

Adding fuel to the fire is a report from the National Journal in which former New Jersey Gov. Tom Kean (R), who has known the current governor since he was a teenager, said that Christie was seriously weighing a run.

“It’s real,” Kean said. “He’s giving it a lot of thought. I think the odds are a lot better now than they were a couple weeks ago.”

A fresh round of Christie speculation has grown after a weak debate performance by presumptive favorite, Rick Perry, last week in Orlando, Fla. The Texas governor also faltered in Saturday's Florida straw poll, finishing second, with fewer than half the votes of businessman Herman Cain.

The New York Times published an article Tuesday morning listing influential donors — including Home Depot founder Kenneth Langone and investment banker Charles Schwab — who have been active in trying to draft Christie. The prominent and wealthy Republicans say they are dissatisfied with the current field, seeking instead a more pragmatic and fiscally oriented conservative voice.

Christie is set to speak at 6 p.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday evening at the sold-out Reagan Library event.

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