New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul have emerged as two likely contenders for the GOP's 2016 nomination. With both men are positioning themselves as the future of the Republican party -- Christie as a moderate and Paul as a Tea Partier -- they've spent the last few weeks locked in a sassy back-and-forth about Christie's weight, "dangerous" libertarians and Hurricane Sandy spending.
Paul recently invited Christie to attend a fundraiser with him and aspiring senator Steve Lonegan in New Jersey next week. But Christie said Tuesday that he planned to decline Paul's olive branch, because he'd much rather be with his wife.
"I had to choose -- it was a very tough choice, Terry -- but I had to choose between my wife and Rand Paul," Christie told reporters.
And it’s Mary Pat’s 50th birthday that weekend and I’m taking her away, just the two of us for her 50th birthday. We’re leaving Friday morning, we won’t get back until Sunday night. And in a choice between Mary Pat Christie and Rand Paul, it’s no choice for me. So, I’ll be with Mary Pat.
Christie also tweeted a video of his comment regarding Paul -- just in case anyone missed it.
In a choice between being with my wife on her birthday or Senator Rand Paul, I choose my wife. http://t.co/PWNciI0SBy
— Governor Christie (@GovChristie) September 3, 2013