The governor of the U.S. state of New Jersey says “this is not the time” for him to run for president.

Republican Chris Christie told reporters Tuesday he was not prepared to walk away from the commitment he made to lead his home state, despite the urging of prominent party members.

Christie had long rejected any talk of a 2012 presidential bid but said he briefly reconsidered after so many of what he called “serious people” urged him to run. He said his children even got a letter asking them to encourage him to enter the race.

Christie told reporters he did give the idea of a presidential campaign serious thought, but is convinced remaining New Jersey's governor is the right decision.

Political analysts had said Christie could have garnered support from Republicans who are dissatisfied with the current presidential field.

Christie said he was grateful for the confidence so many people had shown in him. He also told residents of New Jersey they whether they liked it or not, “you're stuck with me.”

A Washington Post-ABC News survey released Monday shows former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney leading the field of Republican candidates with 25 percent of likely Republican voters.

The poll shows support for another early favorite, Texas Governor Rick Perry, slipping to 16 percent, where he is tied with former pizza company executive Herman Cain.

The first state-by-state elections to determine who will challenge President Barack Obama in the 2012 election are set to start in about three months.