Is a Trump-Christie 2016 ticket in the works?

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is being vetted as Donald Trump's possible running mate, say sources who have been briefed on the process and who spoke anonymously with The New York Times. Trump's foe in the primaries, Christie has since settled in as the presumptive GOP nominee's right-hand man — the extent of which draws henchman-like comparisons as Christie has been rumored to fetch Trump McDonald's orders and was mocked for looking like a hostage as he shadowed Trump during a speech.

"I think he's been diminished by the way the Trump organization has used him, and I think that's really unfortunate," Christie's New Hampshire strategist, Joel Maiola, observed.

Still, those familiar with Christie's role in the Trump campaign aren't surprised that Trump has vowed Christie will find a prominent place in his White House. Christie has reportedly advised Trump on his speeches, policies, and was one of the insiders who suggested Trump drop Corey Lewandowski as campaign manager.

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Trump has joked that Christie is even responsible for bulldozing fellow 2016 competitor Marco Rubio out of the way for him during the primaries. According to recent attendees of a fundraiser, Trump went as far as to thank Christie for "being the bad guy."