Within New Jersey, this is going to be fairly unpopular as long as the economy is sluggish. Outside of New Jersey, it’s making Christie the most visible, and visibly active, warrior against entrenched liberalism. For that reason I’d call Christie a clear frontrunner for the GOP’s 2012 vice presidential nomination. Not the presidential nomination — he’d have to start running in six or seven months, which would be ridiculous. But in two years, when the GOP’s nominee starts looking to fill out his ticket, who will have more appeal to the base and a better record on issues that every conservative agrees with? Who will make them more confident about his (or her) ability to tear apart Vice President Joe Biden in a debate?
Christie’s work in New Jersey is a fascinating story on its own, the most energetic challenge to the liberal consensus many of us can remember. Conservatives are noticing that. I think he’s becoming the latest in a long line of local reformers to make enemies at home while becoming a hero to fellow-travelers in the rest of the country.
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