Christie Expected to Make Presidential Decision This Month

Jeb Bush entry into GOP field has sped up Jersey governor's timetable.

AP Photo | Mel Evans

AP Photo | Mel Evans

Jeb Bush’s semi-entry into the GOP race — he’s “exploring” a run but hasn’t officially declared — is apparently speeding up Chris Christie’s own timetable on deciding whether or not he’ll run. The Washington Post reports Christie will make his formal decision by the end of January.

Christie in particular has been squeezed by Bush, who has cast himself as the same kind of pragmatic, reform-oriented center-right candidate. Bush aides are intensely courting the New Jersey governor’s financial backers, seeking to persuade them to change sides.

Startled by Bush’s early offensive, Christie allies acknowledge that he has upended the competition for major party contributors.

“The Bushes have been very effective at going at Republican donors,” said former New Jersey governor Tom Kean (R). “They know that to a lot of people in the party, Jeb is the favorite son.”

Christie’s camp did not respond to the Post’s requests for comment.