Christie Filing Papers to Run for New Jersey Gov.

TRENTON, N.J. (AP)  -- Former federal prosecutor Chris Christie, who built a reputation as a political corruption-buster during seven years as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, announced his intention to run for governor Thursday, setting up a potential showdown with Gov. Jon S. Corzine.


Steve Sandberg Reports

In an e-mail to supporters, Christie, A Republican, said he was filing papers Thursday and intends to make a formal announcement the first week in February.

``Ultimately, what people need to decide is who is most credible,'' Christie said Thursday while picking up some of his four children from school in Morristown.

``I will put my record up against anyone's in terms of doing what I say, when I say it. I think people have seen that's what I stood for as U.S. Attorney and I will do exactly the same thing if I am elected governor,'' he said.

Moderate Republicans cheered Christie's candidacy Thursday. Many in the party have long considered him the best hope of reclaiming the New Jersey governor's office after nearly a decade of Democratic rule.

``I did not take this step lightly,'' Christie wrote to Republican supporters. ``It was only after careful consideration and consultation with my family that I decided to become a candidate.''

The filing allows Christie to start raising money for the 2009 race, an important step since multimillionaire Corzine -- who dumped more than $40 million of his own money into the 2005 gubernatorial race -- plans to seek re-election.

Though Christie faces a money disadvantage, the 46-year-old has a solid reputation after putting several of New Jersey's high profile politicians behind bars. He's been flirting with a gubernatorial bid since resigning as U.S. Attorney Dec. 1.

In the seven-paragraph e-mail, Christie pointed to New Jersey's fiscal problems, including high taxes and an unfriendly business climate, without elaborating on how to solve them.

``Nothing in Trenton gets done to fix these problems,'' he said. ``We can change this. We can solve these problems if we're willing to make the tough decisions.''

Christie faces a primary challenge in June from state Assemblyman Rick Merkt and former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan. Lonegan was the first to seek federal matching funds on Tuesday, saying he had raised $380,535.

Mayor Brian D. Levine, the mayor of Franklin Township in Somerset County, and Dennis E. Knight of Newark also have filed papers to be able to raise money for the Republican primary.

``I welcome his entry into the race,'' said Merkt, of Randolph. ``I want it to be a race where the public -- the voters -- get to pick the winner, not the political bosses.''

Lonegan said that as one of only two gubernatorial elections nationwide this year, this one will get widespread attention.

``This is going to be the battleground state for free-market conservative principles,'' he said.

Sen. Joe Kyrillos, a longtime Christie friend, said Republicans are optimistic about Christie's candidacy.

``People have been watching this, eager for news, curious whether this day would come,'' said Kyrillos, R-Middletown. ``Chris knows what a tough but noble mission this will be. Today is the beginning of a long campaign.''