Attention Bergen Record and GOP 2016 hopefuls: Chris Christie is poised to reclaim frontrunner status

Influential Republicans in early presidential primary states believe New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is poised to once again become a frontrunner for the party’s 2016 nomination, following a news report that federal scrutiny of a bridge-closing scandal has not implicated him.

“If he had been found in the wrong, he would have been irreparably damaged,” said Matt Moore, chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party. “This is hugely helpful.”

Not having the episode “hanging over his head puts him back where he started from,” said Chuck Laudner, an Iowa-based strategist for former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum’s 2012 presidential campaign. “He’s still a rock star and a compelling guy, even if he is too moderate for some conservatives. We’re glad he’s on our team.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/09/19/attention-gop-2016-hopefuls-chris-christie-is-poised-to-reclaim-frontrunner-status/