Mitt Romney praised New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) on Tuesday for his “strong LBJ-type leadership style.”
In an interview with Neil Cavuto on Fox Business Network, Romney confirmed an earlier report that Christie wanted Romney’s 2012 campaign team to clear with him who Romney would raise money with in New Jersey.
Cavuto asked Romney if that depicted Christie as a bully—a criticism he’s faced in recent weeks as details of the bridge and Sandy recovery funding scandals unfold–but Romney spun it as a positive trait.
{mosads}“No, I consider it to be a strong LBJ-type leadership style,” Romney replied. “I think people want someone tough. I think they want someone who can get Republicans and Democrats to work together, who can control his own party, and keep them from running off the rails.”
Former Democratic President Lyndon B. Johnson was known for arm-twisting members of Congress to advance his agenda.
As for 2016, Romney suggested Christie would make “a strong leader.”
He reiterated, however, that he probably wouldn’t endorse a GOP presidential candidate until the primary season ends.