Christie endorses Trump for president

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Former presidential candidate and NJ Gov. Chris Christie endorsed real estate mogul Donald Trump for President of the United States. 

Former presidential candidate and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has endorsed real estate mogul Donald Trump for president of the United States.

The pair appeared during a news conference in Fort Worth, Texas, on Friday where Christie made the announcement.

"I am proud to be here to endorse Donald Trump for president of the United States," said Christie. "I am thrilled to be here this morning to lend my support. You need a strong, tough leader to return America's greatness."

Earlier this month, after two very disappointing showings at the Iowa Caucus and the New Hampshire Primary, Christie bowed out of the presidential race.

Trump also picked up the endorsement of former presidential candidate and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin earlier this year.

Trump leads in the polls among the Republican contenders.

"Who is the best person to prevent Hillary Clinton from ever getting in the White House again? This man is," said Christie.

Friday's announcement followed a bitter debate the night before between Trump and his challengers particularly Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas.

The Houston debate featured a tag-team attack on Trump by Rubio and Cruz.