New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has had a lot in common with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani for a long time—two Northeast Republicans known for their tough talk, Italian-American roots and taste for the national spotlight.
Now, as Mr. Christie considers a run for president in 2016, other similarities have emerged. They share political aides and have drawn support from the same donors. The governor could contemplate a path to the White House not unlike Mr. Giuliani’s 2008 attempt, although with the prospect of a different outcome.
Mr. Christie also faces similar problems to Mr. Giuliani in a bid for national office, including questions over whether a brash Northeasterner with moderate views on some issues can win over the GOP base in a wide-open primary.
“The similarities are obvious. They are both somewhat less than conservative,” said Larry Sabato, the director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia.
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