In Latest PublicMind Poll, It's A Close Race Between Obama And Chrisite

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Despite repeated statements that he's not interested, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's name continues to surface in 2012 Presidential speculation. The latest numbers are in a new national poll released this week.

The latest PublicMind Poll from Fairleigh Dickinson University asked 800 voters from across the country to rate hypothetical showdowns between President Obama and various Republicans. And Christie performed quite well given his relatively short time on the national political stage.

According to poll director Peter Woolley, while not a real race the numbers are close when it comes to Christie. "Barack Obama beats Sarah Palin by 20 points in our hypothetical matchup. He beats Newt Gingrich by 15 points. He beats Tim Pawlenty from Minnesota by 14 points. But he only beats Chris Christie by 6 points, 46 to 40."

Only Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee, both veterans of the presidential sweepstakes, fared better.

Woolley suggests Christie's year-plus tenure puts him ahead of other new Governors most of whom are only now getting their political feet wet and dealing with budget crises not unlike those in New Jersey.

Reported By David Madden, KYW Newsradio.