Romney expects to be back for 2009 gubernatorial race

MEDFORD -- Expect to see more of Mitt Romney in New Jersey.

In May, he founded the Free & Strong America PAC. He was here today to raise money for the congressional campaigns of Chris Myers, after doing the same for Leonard Lance. And he thinks he’ll probably be here next year to help whoever the Republican gubernatorial candidate will be.

When asked if he expects to be here next year, Romney said “My guess is yes.”

“I don’t know exactly what that’s going to look like yet, but I’m going to continue to campaign for candidates that will make America stronger,” he said.

Romney wouldn’t say who in particular he would like to see jump into the race, but he was flanked by State Sen. Joe Kyrillos, who chaired his New Jersey campaign. Kyrillos is particularly close with U.S. Attorney Chris Christie, who’s been mum on his gubernatorial intentions but is likely to be the Republican establishment’s choice if he chooses to run.

It was unclear whether Romney knew anything about the potential field of candidates, but he made one thing clear tonight – Kyrillos has his ear, and he joked that he would have his support in the unlikely event that he ran himself.

“Senator Kyrillos was my Chairman here in New Jersey. He’s very kind to be here outside of his normal district to welcome me, and I rarely get involved in a race until after the primary has been completed, but there have been exceptions and we’ll see. If Joe runs I will.”