NJ wonders of Christie's role in Trump presidency

TRENTON (WPVI) -- In his acceptance speech in New York, president-elect Donald Trump thanked New Jersey Governor Chris Christie for his work on the campaign.

The governor was an early supporter of Trump's and also serves as the chair of Trump's transition team, vetting thousands of potential appointees to the new administration.

The group also includes Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, Vice President-elect Mike Pence and daughter Ivanka Trump's husband, Jared Kushner, among others.

"It's a big opportunity for him to have a huge influence about how a Trump administration really comes into formation," Rider University political Analyst

Ben Dworkin said.

Once on the shortlist for vice president, Christie has been talked about as a possible choice for Trump's Chief of Staff, Homeland Security or Attorney General.

But the conviction last week of two more aides in the Bridgegate scandal creates problems.

Dworkin says Christie's best bet may be a job that doesn't need Senate approval.

"The Democrats on the judiciary committee or any kind of inquiry would use that opportunity to try and explore all those unanswered questions about who knew what and when," Dworkin said.

The Bridgegate scandal has been dogging Governor Christie who failed in his own bid for president and is now the second most unpopular governor in state history.

Photos show Governor Christie at 6 a.m. voting in Mendham. Conspicuously absen was the usual gaggle of media following him.

"I can't tell you how many times I've been told my political career was over. Here I am. And I will tell you this, what matters to me most is my reputation and that's what I'm fighting for," Christie said in a TV interview.

Voters we talked with say if Governor Christie is offered a job in Washington, they think he should take it.

"I'd like him to get out. I really think the whole Bridgegate thing, he knew all about that from day one," Kim Berger of Andover, NJ said.

"Leave Jersey and go to DC. Hope for the best when he gets there," Diane Chester of Lawrence, NJ said.

While things may not be going the governor in Jersey, Dworkin says he could play a big role in Washington.

We reached out to the governor's office for comment, but did not get a response.