Christie: I Feel Better Now Than When I Was Way Ahead

Speaking to reporters today, Chris Christie dismissed the poll numbers that have shown his once-mighty lead over Jon Corzine -- and said that in fact, he feels better now than he did before.

"I feel better now than over the summer when I had a bigger lead," said Christie. "I knew the governor was going to spend a lot of money going after me, attacking me. And as much as he has, I should be dead by now, but here I am - still with a lead, and I feel better now than I have felt this entire race."

Also today, Corzine skipped an attempt by the Asbury Park Press to hold a debate with Christie and independent candidate Chris Daggett. The Press and the other newspapers in state owned by Gannett often lean Republican (though the Press did endorse Obama in 2008).

Instead, Christie and Daggett debated each other in the paper's editorial room, with an empty chair for Corzine between them. The Corzine campaign citied a scheduling conflict, with events to announce jobs in Union Township and Jersey City.

"Once again, Jon Corzine is ducking out of his responsibility to the voters of New Jersey," said Christie campaign manager Bill Stepien.