Chris Christie could declare his presidential bid next week

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) could announce as soon as next week that he is running for president, sources close to him say.

His aides have said before that he doesn't plan on launching his presidential campaign until the New Jersey legislature finalizes the state budget, and that is expected at the end of the month, Politico reports. Christie will join a crowded GOP field with his popularity on the downslide: A Fairleigh Dickinson University poll released Tuesday shows the governor with a 30 percent approval rating in New Jersey, while a Suffolk University poll shows he only has the support of 5 percent of likely voters in New Hampshire.

To prepare for his run, Christie has boosted his presence in New Hampshire by hiring two additional staffers, and a longtime aide, Maria Comella, left the governor's office to take on a senior position at his political action committee.

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