Politics | Chris Christie Obama Team Digs Up Dirt on Christie ... Just in Case If NJ governor decides to run, reelection campaign wants to be ready By Evann Gastaldo Posted May 23, 2011 12:09 PM CDT Updated May 23, 2011 2:21 PM CDT Copied In this Feb. 16, 2011 file photo, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, R-NJ, speaks in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) Despite the fact that Chris Christie has joked that committing suicide might be the only way to convince supporters he’s not running in 2012, President Obama’s campaign is still trying to get the dirt on the New Jersey governor. Sources tell the New York Post that Obama operatives are compiling a file of “opposition research” that could be used to damage Christie should he change his mind. Of course, sources say the team is trying to do all this secretly, in an effort to avoid elevating Christie’s status even more. A rep for Christie continues to insist the governor is "not cracking the door open even a little bit," but said Obama’s efforts are a flattering “acknowledgment that Christie is a bold leader successfully taking on big challenges as governor. A leader who cuts spending and takes on the special interests tends to earn notice at the highest levels.” Read These Next Joe Biden's post-presidential life not as cushy as predecessors. Superyacht's eye-catching feature also doomed it. Tom Brady's TV access and ties to the Raiders are blurry. White House answers H-1B visa confusion. Report an error