(Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)
Jonathan Alter
tweets:
BREAKING: My sources say NJ Gov. Chris Christie is conducting focus groups in preparation for a possible run for president in 2012.
Alter adds:
Christie would likely have the support of Rush Limbaugh, Roger Ailes and many in the business wing of the party.
In other words, the GOP establishment is flipping out about the collapse of Mitt Romney and the rise of Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry. They're afraid that the tea party monster they helped create will devour them in 2012.
And so they are turning their hopes to a guy who couldn't even beat President Obama in his own state.
11:06 AM PT: Jonathan Alter walks it back:
Another source, close to Christie and v-reliable, says there are no Christie focus groups and nothing has changed. I trust him.