Jindal, Christie set to head national Republican Governors Association

The Republican Governors Association is set to tap New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal to head the organization over the next two years, raising the national profiles of two GOP politicians often mentioned as future presidential candidates.

{mosads}Jindal is slated to take over the chairmanship in 2013, replacing the current chairman, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell. Christie would take the helm in 2014, provided that he wins reelection in his 2013 gubernatorial election. He currently serves as vice chairman to the RGA.

The Hill confirmed the pending appointments, which were first reported Monday by CNN.

Both Christie and Jindal were mentioned as potential running mates to GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney before he went on to select Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) as his running mate in August. 

They have also been cited as potential GOP presidential candidates in 2016, should Romney lose to President Obama in November.

CNN said McDonnell had notified members of the arrangement involving Jindal and Christie in an email last week. 

Republican governors still must approve the agreement at their annual conference in November, an RGA aide said. 

The RGA is a fundraising entity that helps elect GOP governors across the country. It has raised $88 million this election cycle.

Christie has not yet confirmed whether he will seek reelection in New Jersey in 2013. 

His nomination to chair the Republican governor’s group, however, suggests he will run for a second term. 

He could potentially face off against Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker, who also gave hints Monday that he is interested in New Jersey’s gubernatorial job.

Responding to a follower on Twitter Monday, Booker (D) said he would stay active on his Twitter account if he runs and is elected. He emphasized the word “IF” four times.

“IF, (yes IF) IF I run & IF I win, I will absolutely,” Booker said in a tweet.

Louisiana’s next gubernatorial election comes in 2015.