Experts disagree on voter perceptions of Christie’s health

Political analysts don’t agree on whether N.J. Gov. Chris Christie’s health will be a major issue for voters.

Fairleigh Dickinson University political science professor Peter Woolley says Christie’s need to go to the hospital Thursday after becoming short of breath will increase voters’ concern about his health.

Christie, who has asthma, was admitted to Somerset Medical Center Thursday morning and released that evening.

“Clearly, the governor needs to get his weight down,” said Woolley. “He’s admitted that, and he has a personal trainer. He’s been trying to exercise and diet and get his weight down. For some people, that’s a really difficult thing. They’re just built differently. So, I think down the road, there will always be questions about his health.'”

But Rider University political scientist Ben Dworkin does not expect the incident will be a major concern for voters.

“I doubt it will raise serious concerns unless it becomes a recurring health issue,” Dworkin said.

Analysts say Christie’s health would become more of an issue if he decided to run for president because of the rigors of a nationwide campaign.