POINT PLEASANT – Gov. Chris Christie, who expects to be a major player one way or the other in the Republicans’ presidential process, said today that he’s finalizing details of a dinner sit-down with Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

The GOP hopeful’s team has “reached out for us to sit down and have some dinner with folks in New Jersey,” Christie said during a press conference here.

One problem: The first date offered was First Lady Mary Pat Christie’s birthday. Not surprisingly, Christie turned that date down. “I’m no dummy.”

The two governors’ teams will sort out a second date.

“I know Rick well,” Christie said.

Christie has already met with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, another GOP front-runner, but has not been contacted by another presidential contender, U.S. Rep. Michelle Bachmann (R-MN).

“If she wants to come, I’m sure we’d be happy to take the call,” he said.