The Hill News

One Pennsylvania lawmaker added on Wednesday to the chorus of voices encouraging New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) to run for president in 2012.

Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.) said that he'd support Christie if the first-year governor were to seek the GOP nomination to challenge President Obama in 2012.

"It's up to him, but I think he would make an outstanding presidential candidate and I won't say that about many," Dent told reporters following a fundraiser at which Christie appeared, as reported by the Newark Star-Ledger.

"Chris Christie is a man that I would get very excited about and I know my constituents would get excited about and much of this nation and much of this commonwealth would," Dent explained. "I can tell you there's g! oing to be a lot of people that want to draft him."

Christie's name has been mentioned often among Republicans as a potential contender against Obama in 2012. He's built up a solid approval rating in a typically-Democratic state, and won plaudits for his dealing with the state's unions and other interest groups.

Not helping the presidential buzz has been Christie's frequent travel this fall on behalf of Republican candidates, including a trip to Iowa, the high-profile stomping ground for potential presidential candidates.

Christie admitted in a profile piece for NBC on Wednesday that his family has discussed a potential candidacy, but he's adamantly denied interest in such a bid. He got "Shermanesque" in his denials on Tuesday, saying, “If nominated, I shall not ! run. If elected, I shall not serve."

But Dent isn't! the fir st prominent House Republican to float Christie's name. Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.), the lawmaker who would likely take over as chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee if Republicans win back the House, has also said he favors the New Jersey governor.

"I think Chris Christie has been the guy that can get the conservatives on our side, but also take states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois and he can cut into the blue-collar ethnic unions," King said in September.