Expert: Despite Sinking Poll Numbers, Christie's Style Could Work In Early-Primary States
SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's approval rating has plunged into the 30s at home, but one political pundit notes the presidential primary season is all about sound bites and Christie can boast about union showdowns and re-election in a blue state.
Christie has reportedly hired new campaign staff in New Hampshire, where the Republican governor should play to his strengths, said Seton Hall Associate Political Science Professor Matthew Hale.
"There's no better politician today at town hall meetings, and those are really, really important in New Hampshire and Iowa," Hale told WCBS 880's Paul Murnane. "So I think he's got to do a lot of them, and he's got to do them well."
With Jeb Bush charting a course seemingly distant from the mainstream GOP, Christie's supporters see room for the New Jersey governor as an emerging favorite in a field that's currently crowded with single-digit contenders.
Christie's supporters include Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone and billionaire hedge fund manager Stanley Druckenmiller, who has called the governor a "once-in-a-generation leader."
Christie could announce his candidacy for president as early as next week.