Will Gov. Christie be snubbed by CPAC?

By Richard K. Barry

Perhaps not surprising, though interesting, is the fact that so far NJ Republican Gov. Chris Christie has not been invited to the annual confab known as the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), a gathering of conservative activists. Considering that 40 featured speakers have been invited, this is an obvious slight.

It should be noted, however, that CPAC Communications Director Laura Keehner Rigas told ABC News that there are three weeks until the conference and "I encourage everyone to hold tight."

So maybe this means he will be invited but that some in the conservative leadership want to send a message that they have not been thrilled with his behaviour of late.

You will recall that Christie annoyed some conservatives by blasting House Republicans, notably Speaker Boehner, for adjourning before approving a $60 billion relief package for victims of Hurricane Sandy.

And who could forget Christie palling around with President Obama, even praising the Kenyan socialist, just before the November election?

It does sound like he will eventually be invited, though the reception will be something to watch. 

Christie is very likely interested in the 2016 presidential race, and is extremely popular in New Jersey, an otherwise very blue state. If Republicans hope to win back the White House, they are going to have to find the modern equivalent of Reagan Democrats to swing things their way, and there is no one better positioned to do that than Gov. Christie. 

If they continue to insist on ridiculous purity tests, it's going to be a long four years for the GOP.