In a wide-ranging interview published online in The Star-Ledger on Sunday evening, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) indicated that he wants a decisive re-election victory in the state's gubernatorial election this year and that he expects to be more prepared for a presidential bid the next time around.
"I'll consider that a raging success and a historic success," Christie said of winning a second term by a comfortable margin. "I'd consider that to be a real affirmation of my time in office and my vision for the future."
Republicans have won statewide races in New Jersey only three times since 1988 — a list that includes Christie's 2009 victory — but none have eclipsed the 50 percent threshold, something the Republican governor said he wants to change.
With sky high approval ratings following Hurricane Sandy, Christie is a heavy favorite to win re-election — a victory that could cement his status as GOP standard-bearer and catapult him to the White House in 2016. Without delving into specifics about his presidential prospects, Christie insisted that he'll be more ready for a run in 2016 than he was in 2012.
"Yeah, you’re damn right I’d be more ready," Christie said.