CBS NEWS: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie announced Tuesday that he would not seek the Republican presidential nomination, saying that while he thought seriously about entering the presidential race, “now is not my time.” Christie said he made his final decision last night and told those closest to him this morning. He said he went to the bed last night “knowing exactly what I wanted to do” for the first time in weeks. He declined the chance to close the door on a future presidential run, saying he is “not going to preclude any employment in the future.” The New Jersey governor said that he decided to revisit his initial vows not to run after being called upon to change his mind in recent weeks, saying he “felt an obligation to earnestly consider” the appeals. He said he “explored the options” and thought seriously about running but that “in the end, what I’ve always felt was the right decision remains the right decision today.” “I have a commitment to New Jersey that I will not abandon,” said Christie during a lengthy, nearly hour-long press conference, adding: “New Jersey, whether you like it or not, you’re stuck with me.” MORE
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