TRENTON — Adding credence to recent reports that Gov. Chris Christie is reconsidering a run for the White House, former Gov. Tom Kean told the National Review today that "it's real."



"It's real," Kean told the magazine. "He's giving it a lot of thought. I think the odds are a lot better now than they were a couple weeks ago."



Talk that Christie is reconsidering a bid for the White House after his repeated and oft colorful denials began brewing again this weekend. A handful of reports citing unnamed sources claimed he was rethinking his decision not to run.



Christie has said frequently that he is staying out of the race this year. Citing family concerns and a need to remain in New Jersey, Christie has said he won't run but is flattered by everyone asking.



But word from Kean that Christie is in fact giving it another look is sure to raise a lot of eyebrows.



Kean has known Christie since he was a teenager. The governor often tells the story of his mother taking him to Kean's home to volunteer for his gubernatorial campaign after he talked as a youth about wanting to pursue politics.



Christie has enlisted Kean as an advisor since taking office, including having him chair a commission that studied the future of higher education in New Jersey.

Previous coverage

:

• Reports: Gov. Christie rethinking White House bid

• Gov. Christie continues to say no to 2012 presidential bid as Republican donations continue

• Chris Christie leads Obama in hypothetical matchup, poll reveals

• Gov. Christie ranks third for presidential nominee in hypothetical poll of Iowa Republicans

• Gov. Christie denies plans to run for vice president

• Gov. Chris Christie should not run for president, majority of N.J. residents polled say

