Christie Could Set Up Political Action Committee This Month

Although he has yet to formally announce plans for a presidential run in 2016, Gov. Chris Christie has taken a solid step toward a possible candidacy with the establishment of a leadership political action committee that could take the lead in funding his political travels and seeking donors, The New York Times reported Tuesday, just hours after the governor's State of the State address.

Although, according to the article, Christie may not make a formal announcement for at least a few months, the creation of a PAC "will provide a signal of Mr. Christie’s seriousness to allies anxious over the flurry of attention surrounding potential rivals for the nomination." He could establish the PAC before the end of this month.

Another possible 2016 presidential candidate, Jeb Bush, has already established a leadership PAC. The New York Times reported that the formation of a PAC would also "provide a destination" for potential campaign donors interesting in lending financial support to Christie.

Although nothing was formally announced the New York Times article stated that Christie's leadership PAC "would likely be overseen by Phil Cox, a well-regarded political strategist." Coz recently formed his own consulting firm and was the executive director of the Republican Governors Association. Christie relinquished his position as chairman of the RGA in December but his term as the head of the organization overlapped with Cox.

During his fifth State of the State address Tuesday, Christie gave a slight nod to all of the talk about a possible 2016 presidential run, by telling lawmakers he "will be here next year."