Former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney’s formal entrance into the presidential campaign today won’t dislodge establishment Republicans here in New Jersey, who intend to remain uncommitted until Gov. Chris Christie gives the word.
“It’s too early,” said a source close to the governor.
Romney came to New Jersey to endorse Christie for governor in 2009 and has met with Christie at least once at Drumthwacket. State Sen. Joe Kyrillos (R-13), a key Christie ally, served as Romney’s statewide director in New Jersey.
While the entrenched GOP won’t line up behind Romney – or anyone else – until Christie makes a move, for his part, state Sen. Mike Doherty (R-23), a potential 2012 U.S. Senate candidate who endorsed U.S. Rep. Ron Paul for president in 2008, likewise is staying out of presidential politics for now.
“We’ll see how it shakes out,” Doherty said.