MIDDLESEX – As the country awaits GOP Presidential nominee Mitt Romney’s selection of a running mate, Gov. Chris Christie told a curious press corps that it’s not his job to choose.

“I’m not the candidate,” Christie reminded reporters. “Governor Romney has said the most important quality is that the vice president be ready to be president on day one.”

Christie denied that the vice president will have much impact on the campaign, calling the 2012 presidential contest a head-to-head between President Barack Obama and Romney.

“In the end nobody votes for vice president,” said the governor. “No matter who Governor Romney picks they’re not voting for him.”

By the same token, no one will vote for Obama because of Vice President Joe Biden, he said.

“No one’s saying ‘I’m not sure about this Obama guy but, boy, I love Biden,’” Christie cracked. “It’s the summer, it’s a slow news time. This is what occupies people’s attention. He or she will have one debate and that’s all you’ll hear about the (vice presidential contender). …Joe Biden didn’t play a significant role four years ago, and I don’t think he’ll play any role now.”

The vice president becomes significant in the White House, the governor added.