In this Sept. 27, 2011 file photo, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif. Christie is expected to announce any day whether he will reverse plans and join the 2012 Republican race for president, even as he has ignored the political preparation often done in early-voting states. Christie has been silent in Iowa, New Hampshire and other states expected to cast the first votes in the 2012 GOP presidential campaign. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

BETH DeFALCO,Associated Press

KASIE HUNT,Associated Press

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - A person close to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says he is not running for president, despite pressure from donors and others in the Republican Party establishment.

The person, with direct knowledge of the decision, spoke on grounds of anonymity Tuesday to avoid pre-empting the governor's early afternoon announcement.

Christie had spent the past week reconsidering his long-time refusal to run for the White House as GOP leaders clamored for another option in the search for a Republican to take on President Barack Obama next fall.

The 49-year-old former U.S. attorney for New Jersey has become a darling of conservatives for his blunt talk and his accomplishments in public life. He got elected in a Democratic state, cut the budget, capped property tax hikes and has taken on public employee unions.

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