Christie to form leadership PAC

Gov. Chris Christie, R-New Jersey, will take a step toward running for president, setting up a leadership PAC at some time in the next few weeks, as first reported by the New York Times.

The formation of Christie's leadership PAC is not expected to change the timing of a formal decision to run, according to the Times. Christie is still expected to announce a decision in the spring. But the formation of the leadership PAC will assure donors and influential party members that Christie has some commitment to the idea of running.

Jeb Bush announced the formation of his leadership PAC, Right to Rise, earlier this month, as well as his super PAC, which shares the same name. Leadership PACs enable politicians to raise money for political travel and to hire staff.