US News

Run, Chris, run!

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WASHINGTON — Iowa’s top Republican moneymen are begging New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to get into the presidential race.

A group of major GOP contributors from Iowa, who are disenchanted with the party’s presidential field, have scheduled a May 31 meeting with Christie to woo him into challenging President Obama.

It is a dramatic change of tactics for the GOP honchos, who are usually on the receiving end of the election-year courting ritual, as candidates seek their support for the country’s first nominating contest.

“There isn’t anyone like Chris Christie on the national scene for Republicans,” said Iowa energy-company exec Bruce Rastetter, one of a half-dozen GOP donors meeting with the governor.

“We believe that he, or someone like him, running for president is very important at this critical time in our country,” Rastetter said.

Christie’s straight-talking, no-nonsense style has made him a popular figure on the national stage. But he has repeatedly ruled out a presidential run.

Fears about a weak Republican crop of candidates for 2012 are also helping fuel speculation that Rudy Giuliani will make another White House run.

He said yesterday on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that his decision about running won’t be swayed by the bump in popularity Obama got from the killing of Osama bin Laden.

Giuliani, who ran unsuccessfully in 2008, insisted, “Yes, I am” still thinking about running again.

Republicans are looking high and low for a better batch of candidates to oust Obama.

So far, six Republicans have declared, including Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Texas Rep. Ron Paul.

Others widely mentioned, but who have not officially declared, include former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney; former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee; former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

Iowa Republicans have nudged Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels to run and national GOP donors are urging former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush to follow in the footsteps of his brother, President George W. Bush.

The Iowa businessmen courting a reluctant Christie are similar to a group that went knocking on then-Texas Gov. George Bush to convince him to get into the 2000 race.

Rastetter said they like Christie’s “blunt, direct leadership style. You always know where he stands, what he means. You don’t need an interpreter.”