Early Reactions:
Fox: "The endorsement of Romney should leave no doubt that Christie is out as a potential candidate, but in as a potential high-profile surrogate for the former Massachusetts governor. Romney also has secured the endorsement of former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who bowed out of the race in August."
American Spectator: "This has led to a few conservatives making jokes on Twitter about RINOs of a feather. But it does suggest Romney is consolidating endorsements as he builds leads in Iowa and New Hampshire as well as nationally."
WSJ: "With primary balloting expected to begin in less than three months, the Christie announcement could push the GOP establishment further toward Mr. Romney. If the New Jersey governor joins him on the campaign trail, it could also give Mr. Romney more credibility with some in the Republican base."
Jennifer Rubin offers FIVE reasons why it matters, including: "It gives Romney one of the most charismatic and effective surrogates in the conservative movement, someone who can sway donors, Tea Partyers, talk show hosts and mainstream voters alike."
But HotAir is underwhelmed: "Well, who else would Christie endorse in this race? Politically he and Romney are quite similar — northeastern Republican governors in substantially blue states, with questionable adherence to conservative orthodoxies. Had Christie gotten into the race, he would have competed for the moderates that Romney attracts now, not conservatives who might prefer Herman Cain or even Rick Perry. Christie’s endorsement was inevitable."
NRO: "A Romney aide says Christie and Romney have been in touch for several months. “They’ve been talking off and on since the spring,” the aide says. “On Saturday, Mitt and Ann had a chance to spend personal time with Gov. Christie and his wife at their home in New Jersey, and Gov. Christie told Mitt at that meeting he was going to endorse him.”"
TIME: "the endorsement could help dispel lingering doubts among Tea Party activists about Romney’s anti-spending bona fides."
NPR starts speculating about a Romney/Christie ticket: "Now speculation is sure to intensify about Christie as a potential vice presidential pick for Romney. Christie has publicly denied any interest, saying he doesn't have the personality to be number two. Of course, almost everyone who becomes the subject of such speculation says the same thing."
