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Christie Dispels White House Rumors On 'Late Night'

(CBS) - Making his first appearance on a late night comedy show, New Jersey governor Chris Christie told host Jimmy Fallon he won't be running for president in 2012:

Christie: "No chance."

Fallon: "No chance?"

Christie: "No chance. Here's the thing: why would I want a less powerful job than I have now? Being the governor of New Jersey is it -- it's great."

The invitation was spurred by a conversation between the two on Twitter about the tunnel project that Christie shot down. Fallon joked that without the tunnel, New Yorkers will still find New Jersey the same way they always have -- by accident.

Christie gave his explanation for squashing it:

Christie: "Costs were over $2.5-billion. New York was paying nothing for it."

Fallon: "It always goes over budget. You have a guy come fix your house he says, 'It'll only cost you about $2,000.' cut to $10,000 later."

Christie: "That's right. When you're talking billions, Jimmy, it's a lot. And, you know, New York is paying nothing. There's nothing New Jersey hates more than getting screwed by New York."

As for his thoughts on Sarah Palin and the White House, New Jersey's governor didn't exactly give a ringing endorsement when asked how she might do as president:

Christie: "Who knows, Jimmy. It's an amazing world."

Fallon: "Crazier things have happened, I guess?"

Christie: "I don't know... it's an amazing world."

Reported by Mike Dougherty, KYW Newsradio

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