President Christie?

Why is Chris Christie teasing us? He insists he will not run for president in 2012, but he keeps making fantastic speeches in battleground states like Iowa. Last night in front of conservative activists he touted his success in deep blue NJ and advocated his brand of conservatism in Washington. He said that his "tough-talking, smaller government message resonates with all voters" and should be adopted by all the Republican winners in November, especially since his approval rating has jumped ten points since he took office. 

He also urged Republicans to "deliver on their conservative promises if they gain power" because if they don't, the people will banish Republicans "to the wilderness...for a long, long time." He suggested that voters will accept tough cuts in programs and a tightening of the purse strings of government spending "as long as they know the pain is being spread equally." 

He continued, "We lost our way a number of years ago, and we became tax and spend light. "Less spending, smaller government, less regulation, smaller government — we're going to be all about that again. We have to step up and stand for those principles again."

Obviously, as a northern Republican, Christie argues that the GOP should focus on fiscal conservatism, rather than social issues. And right now, he's particularly right. However, I can see Christie at the top of the ticket with a more socially conservative running mate like Pawlenti on the ticket in 2012. I know he insists he won't, but a girl can dream.