The Associated Press (AP) is reporting that Republican Tea Party (GOTP) darling New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has endorsed Mittens Romney for the GOTP presidential nomination, sending a signal to the skeptical GOTP establishment to fall in line behind the former Massachusetts governor.

“I’m here in New Hampshire for one simple reason: America cannot survive another four years of Barack Obama and Mitt Romney’s the man to lead America and we need him now,” Christie said, standing alongside Romney.

There’s speculation Christie’s endorsement could influence groups Mittens has struggled to win over – a core segment of the GOTP establishment that isn’t enthused by him, and the Tea Party, many of whom view him as insincere on issues they hold dear, and who don’t like him because he’s a Mormon, and since a large portion of the Tea Party is made up of uber-conservative evangelical Christians that’s a big deal.

The AP is reporting Christie has closer ties to the former Massachusetts governor than to other candidates. Romney endorsed Christie when the former U.S. attorney ran for governor in 2009. And in January, he became the first Republican presidential contender to visit Christie at the governor’s mansion in Princeton.

On a conference call later in the day, Christie addressed a supporter’s suggestion that he become Romney’s running mate.

“That’s going to be Governor Romney’s choice,” Christie said. “I’ve told him my only interest is helping him get elected and serving my state.”

He added that he has “every expectation” that he’ll serve the remainder of his term as governor, which expires after the presidential election at the end of 2013.

And now we come to probably the biggest reason for Christie’s support – Romney’s going to name him as his VP choice. Christie will bring support to the ticket Mittens can’t get any other way; Bachmann won’t bring it; Perry won’t bring it; Cain won’t bring it; Santorum won’t bring it and Rubio won’t bring it …