Team-builder Chris in line for top job
Chris Christie was named head of Donald Trump’s “transition team” Monday, which could give him an inside track for a top White House post, according to analysts.
“This puts him in even better position for some kind of administration appointment. It is a way to demonstrate his loyalty, his competence and to give him a higher-profile, national role,” said Princeton history and public-affairs professor Julian Zelizer, who has followed Christie’s career.
“It also eases concerns that this partnership was somehow forced on Christie, given that he seems willing to do more — which is important as Republicans fight among themselves.”
Zelizer said it’s too early to tell if Christie could be tabbed as a future attorney general or even a vice-presidential running mate.
“Trump is running a campaign that is unlike any we have seen. There is nothing to predict on. Everything is pure speculation,” Zelizer said.
Trump said Christie is suited “to take over the White House when we win in November.”
Christie dropped out of the presidential race in February and became one of the first mainstream Republicans to endorse Trump.
In his new role, the New Jersey governor will assemble a team of experts on domestic and foreign policy to start setting up a potential Trump administration.
“I am honored by the confidence being placed in me by Mr. Trump and look forward to putting together a first-rate team to assemble an administration to help best serve the president-elect and the nation,” Christie said.
University of Virginia politicalscience professor Larry Sabato agreed that Christie, a former US attorney in Newark, makes sense for the attorney-general spot.
“If someone like Christie is in charge of your transition, then he’s very likely to get one of the best Cabinet appointments — as well as secure influence throughout the administration. Maybe Christie will have his choice. One would guess attorney general,” Sabato said. “At the same time, if you are chairing the transition, it’s very unlikely you will be picked for VP.”
New York Republican strate- gist Jessica Proud said engineering the transition team also could put Christie in position to be Trump’s chief of staff.
Veteran New York political strategist Jerry Skurnik pointed out that ex-New Hampshire Gov. John Sununu headed President George H.W. Bush’s transition team and became his chief of staff.
“But some presidents don’t want a strong chief of staff,” Skurnik said.
Veteran political consultant George Arzt said if Christie were to be offered the AG position,he would jump at it.
“I would think he’s in the running for AG should Trump win. This would be a lifetime dream [for Christie], to be attorney general of the United States,” Arzt said.