Governor Christie Speaks About Next Steps After Keynote Address
By Robin Rieger
ASBURY PARK, NEW JERSEY (CBS) - "I'm tanned, I'm rested, I'm ready," said New Jersey governor Chris Christie.
Fresh from a New Jersey shore vacation, the governor shook hands with visitors on the boardwalk in Asbury Park Monday, talking tourism and clean beaches. But the questions from the press had less to do with that and more to do with republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's choice for Vice President.
"When did I find out I was not going to be governor Romney's running mate and how did I find out was the question," Christie said.
He says he got an email from Romney a week ago Friday saying he needed to talk. He says they spoke by phone.
"He told me he was going in a different direction for VP and asked me if I would do [the] keynote address, I told him I would," Christie said as the crowd applauded.
His answer to what he thinks of Paul Ryan was brief.
"I like congressman Ryan, he's a nice guy," Christie said.
Christie's been working on his speech set for Tuesday night in Tampa and is excited to face the biggest audience of his political career so far. Christie supporters are excited too.
"I think it's fabulous, it gives us more prominence, more recognition," said Carol Kieffer of Bridgewater, New Jersey.
Among Christie's big initiatives is the revitalization of Atlantic City.
On Monday Revel in Atlantic City announced it would seek from creditors an increase in its borrowing capacity to $100 million dollars to run the resort. Its gaming numbers lag behind other casinos. Christie says he's not worried.
"I always thought Revel was going to take a year to get going anyway.
We are trying to turn Atlantic City into a resort that has gaming, not a gaming venue that could be a resort," said Christie.
A revel spokesman says the resort was the market leader in food and beverage and expects to be the same with room business.
