Christie Nominates Gay Man to N.J. Supreme Court

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Monday nominated Bruce Harris to the state's Supreme Court.

Harris would become the first openly LGBT justice--and third African American person--to serve on the court. Chatham voters in November elected Harris to become their borough's next mayor. He is the first black gay Republican in the country to hold such an office.

Christie's announcement comes a day before state lawmakers will hold a hearing on a bill that would allow same-sex couples to marry in the Garden State. He has repeatedly said he veto a marriage equality bill, but Garden State Equality Chair Steven Goldstein applauded the governor's nomination of Harris.

"Today, the governor has made civil rights history, and on behalf of all of us at Garden State Equality, I extend to him our most profound appreciation," he said.

R. Clarke Cooper, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans, also applauded Christie for his historic nomination.

“This appointment is consistent with Gov. Christie’s strong support for nondiscrimination, including signing the strongest anti-bullying legislation in the nation," he said. "As the New Jersey legislature considers passing marriage equality this session, Log Cabin Republicans remain hopeful Governor Christie will continue his inclusive leadership by agreeing with Republican champions across the country that freedom means freedom for everybody.”

Christie: Obama Should Be "Pissed" About Timing of Huntsman's Campaign

Responding to a question about former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's criticism that former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman served as the Obama administration's ambassador to China, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie suggested the president should be "pissed" about the timing of his presidential campaign.

"I would be kind of pissed if I were Barack Obama--I mean I give this guy a job, he's over in China supposedly serving my administration," said Christie, who appeared at a town hall with "Morning Joe" co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski in Manchester on Jan. 8. "I wonder a little bit about Huntsman's integrity."

Romney questioned Huntsman's ambassadorship and his previous pro-Obama statements during the latest Republican presidential debate in Concord earlier in the day.

Christie's appearance came hours after he clashed with Occupy protesters at an Exeter town hall with Romney and New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte. His remarks also coincided with news that New Jersey lawmakers plan to introduce a bill on Monday that would legalize marriage for same-sex couples in the Garden State.

Christie, who supports civil unions, has said he would veto any marriage equality bill. He did not discuss the measure during his Manchester appearance with Scarborough and Brzezinski.

Chris Christie Endorses Mitt Romney

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie officially endorsed former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for president at a press conference in Hanover, N.H., earlier on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

Christie, who announced last week that he would not seek the presidency in 2012, endorsed Romney hours before Dartmouth College will host the latest Republican presidential debate.

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty endorsed Romney last month after he ended his campaign following a disappointing showing in the Iowa Straw Poll in August.

Sarah Palin Says She Will Not Run for President

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin told radio host Mark Levin earlier on Wednesday, Oct. 5, that she will not run for president.

"I have decided that I will not be seeking the 2012 GOP nomination for President of the United States," said the former vice presidential nominee. "As always, my family comes first and obviously Todd and I put great consideration into family life before making this decision. When we serve, we devote ourselves to God, family and country. My decision maintains this order."

Palin's announcement comes a day after New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said he will not enter the race. A CBS News poll that was released earlier this week found that only 23 percent of Republican primary voters would have welcomed a Palin presidential campaign.

Can Chris Christie Save the GOP?

Can New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie save the Republican Party?

The sharp-tongued former federal prosecutor has repeatedly said he has no intentions to run for president, but speculation continues to rage as to whether Christie will seek the Republican nomination in 2012. It is clear that Republicans are desperate for someone who is arguably more electable than Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann or even Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney to enter the race. Christie is expected to (once again) announce his intentions by the end of the week. Will Republican operatives and donors who remain lukewarm over the current field of candidates be disappointed?

Probably, but things could potentially change faster than Snooki can make headlines for her boardwalk exploits. Stay tuned!

Bloomberg wins, Corzine loses, Maine too close to call

With 97 percent of precincts reporting, the Associated Press has declared Mayor Michael Bloomberg the winner of the city's mayoral campaign with 51 percent of the vote. City Comptroller William Thompson, Jr., has garnered 46 percent.

Across the Hudson River, former federal prosecutor Chris Christie upset incumbent New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine. Christie garnered 50 percent of the vote. Corzine received 44 percent. And independent candidate Chris Daggett garnered 5 percent.

Christie's election could have major implications on the future of marriage for same-sex couples in the Garden State, but it remains unclear as to whether the referendum that seeks to repeal nuptials for gays and lesbians in Maine has succeeded. The Portland Press Herald reports 50.12 percent of Maine voters cast their ballots against the referendum versus 49.88 of those who supported it.

Stay tuned for more updates...