Poll: 41 Percent Of Republicans Don't Want Christie To Run In 2016
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Forty-one percent of Republicans say they would not like to see Gov. Chris Christie run for president in 2016, according to a new CBS News/New York Times poll.
The poll asked the public whether they would like to see some prospective contenders as well as other party leaders run for president in 2016.
From a list of five high-profile Republicans, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul topped the list with 41 percent of Republicans saying they would like to see Bush run and 39 percent saying yes to a Paul candidacy.
Thirty-two percent said they would like to see Sen. Marco Rubio run in 2016.
Christie came in fourth with 31 percent saying the would like to see him run followed by Sen. Ted Cruz at 24 percent.
Christie's administration has been mired in scandals that have hobbled the start of his second term and threaten his future political plans. His difficulties have cut into his job approval rating and emboldened Democrats.
Allegations that Christie aides threatened to withhold storm relief funds from a severely flooded town unless its mayor approved a favored redevelopment project and that other aides intentionally blocked traffic leading to the George Washington Bridge as political payback are the subject of multiple investigations.
The administration has denied the storm aid charges and the governor has said he had nothing to do with the planning or execution of the lane closures.
On the Democratic side, 82 percent say they would like to see former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton run for president in 2016.
Vice President Joe Biden came in second with 42 percent saying they would like a Biden candidacy followed by Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley.
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