Republican pundits have been clamoring for new blood in the GOP presidential primary race since Texas Governor Rick Perry's debate performance last Thursday. But so far it looks like their first choice Chris Christie is no longer an option.

Despite hopeful claims from republicans like former New Jersey governor Tom Kean who were convinced he was "giving it a lot of thought," Fox News confirmed Tuesday that Christie will not be making the run for the White House. Christie says that duties in the Garden State require too much of his time and he cannot be worried about campaign plans.

In addition, his brother Todd told NJ.com the same thing, but with more of a typical Christie bluntness:

"I'm sure that he's not going to run. If he's lying to me, I'll be as stunned as I've ever been in my life."

However, it's unlikely that the majority of the party will back Rick Perry after stumbling through the debate process. Then again, neither did George W. Bush. Whatever happens with Christie, one thing is certain -- the rumors about him running for the highest office in the land haven't slowed down.

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