If Christie were to announce his candidacy for Menendez’s Senate seat, which comes up in 2018 but would be open sooner if the senator resigns, he would be an immediate favorite. His in-your-face Joizy style, first made popular in YouTube videos showing him confronting teachers union lackeys, will start to play well again when New Jersey voters see he’s curtailed his national aspirations to focus on serving them.

Christie’s second term as governor ends in January 2018, which is perfect timing for a Senate race. It means he can continue demonstrating his passion for government service and his leadership skills for a few more years, while still having 10 months to campaign without the distractions of a “day job.”

Oh, and all the funds he raised as a presidential candidate will be available to him in a Senate race.

Whether Menendez’s seat opens up because the senator resigns or retires; or whether he decides to press ahead and run for re-election despite the scandal, Christie would be the dominant figure in the scramble for that seat.