NEWS

Chris Christie: I get a great sense of affection from folks in Iowa

Jennifer Jacobs
jejacobs@dmreg.com

MARION, Ia. - Traveling around Iowa today confirmed Chris Christie's sense that Iowans love him.

"They do," Christie, the governor of New Jersey, told reporters during a question-and-answer session after his meet-and-greet at a local restaurant. "They do, and every time I come here to Iowa, I get a great sense of affection and respect from folks here.

"But that doesn't mean you're going to be universally loved, and if you want to be universally loved in this business, then you're the absolute poster boy for being ineffective. I don't care about being loved. I care about being respected. And in the end, if some people don't like me, then that's their business and that's their choice. It's a free country. But I am who I am and I'll be who I am and I think most people will appreciate that."

The spotlight-attracting Christie is considered a potential 2016 presidential candidate. He told reporters today that he's still weighing the decision, which is a deeply personal one.

A new NBC/Marist poll found that a third of GOP registered voters in Iowa have negative feelings about Christie.

"Only a third? Pretty good, man," Christie said. "That's not bad, I'll take it."

Christie first brought up Iowans feelings for him in an interview with ABC News in March. "I think love me there too, especially because of the way I am. Not in spite of, especially because," he told ABC.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad speak to reporters outside MJ's in Marion .