NEWARK — Though it's widely seen as a soft launch for a 2016 presidential campaign, Gov. Chris Christie today portrayed himself as not central to the inner workings of a leadership PAC that was formed to help him.

Asked what the formation of the PAC says about his presidential prospects, Christie responded that "it says that there are a group of people who want to be supportive of me continuing to look at the problems in the country."

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"So I'm happy that they want to do that. I'm honored that they asked me to be the honorary chair of it, but it will proceed as it proceeds," he said.

The PAC is run by close allies to Christie, including his chief strategist, Mike DuHaime.

Christie said little about the PAC itself. Asked if he has any immediate plans to raise money for it, he referred the question to the PAC's officials.

The governor also denied the PAC is an unofficial campaign kickoff.

"No, it's the opening up of a federal PAC to help us to look at problems in the country," he said.

The governor made the comments while briefing about the snow storm just beginning to hit New Jersey, at a state Department of Transportation facility in Newark.

"This is a pretty serious day today, and while I understand the interest regarding the federal fundraising committee, that's why I'm happy to help answer your questions," Christie said. "The more important issue of the day today is the health and safety of the people of New Jersey."

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Matt Friedman may be reached at mfriedman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattFriedmanSL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.