Chris Christie Tells Jersey 'I'm Not Going Anywhere'

(Image Credit: Jewel Samao/AFP/Getty Images)

SPRINGFIELD, N.J. - Gov. Chris Christie, mentioned as a possible running mate for Mitt Romney, assured his constituents at a town hall today that he's "not going anywhere."

In a packed firehouse, a resident praised Christie saying he has done "a tremendous job," before making a request.

"I really, really hope that you serve your term here," the supporter said.

Christie immediately replied, "I'm not going anywhere, don't worry."

The crowd of over 450 erupted in cheers.

The comment didn't specifically address the speculation that Christie will be on Mitt Romney's vice presidential short list, but the inference that he would leave New Jersey to share the ticket with Romney was clear.

Although the passing comment in the almost 90 minute town hall was the only mention of possible veep chatter, it's a clip that will surely be re-played if he is selected as Romney's number two.

Earlier this month, Christie said he would "listen" if Romney came calling, but said the presumptive GOP nominee "knows that it's not my desire, my lifelong wish to be vice president of the United States."

It was a mostly positive crowd although Christie did warn his constituents beforehand in his signature style that if anyone was trying to "take the governor of New Jersey out for a walk the rules are very simple: we are all from New Jersey" and "if you give it, you will get it."

The town hall was produced much like a presidential campaign event with a small group of people sitting behind Christie who clapped for him throughout the event. He came out to cheers after a video montage played describing his tough style as just "trying to be me." It's a message his team has been pushing, sending out YouTube video clips of his tell it like it is style.

At the end of the event he told the crowd that if he does decide to run for another term in 2013 they can be assured they won't have to "wonder what he's really like."

"That's the way I was raised," Christie said. "You say what's on your mind, you say it straight, you say it direct, and you don't worry if you're going to be loved for it."

The town hall was also filled with light moments. He told the group New Jersey was now known for more than the "Real Housewives" or "God forbid the Jersey Shore."

Christie has long expressed his ire for the MTV television show, but Thursday he revealed a conversation he had about the program with Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York.

"Snooki and The Situation are from New York," Christie recalled telling Cuomo, referring to two cast members. "You can have them back."

Christie said to laughs that Cuomo still hasn't sent a car for the two yet.