The Hill News

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) has reimbursed the state for using a state police helicopter to ride to his son's baseball game.

Christie kicked in $1,232 to pay for his use of the helicopter on Tuesday to travel to the game, according to the governor's office. Christie's office said that the governor has taken 33 helicopter trips since he took office in 2010, the vast majority of which have been for official business.

{mosads}"The governor understands the sensitivity about this kind of thing and believes he owes it to the public to ensure that this is not a distraction," said Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak.

Christie's helicopter ride drew national scrutiny and Democrats accused the governor of misusing the vehicle. 

The incident became a headache for Christie, who has been wooed by Republicans to enter the 2012 GOP presidential field. It came just days after a new poll showed that his job approval numbers reached a new low.

Following the game, Christie flew back to the governor's mansion to meet with a group of Republican donors and activists from Iowa, who attempted to get him to jump into the presidential race.

Christie on multiple occasions has said he will not run for president in 2012, going so far as to say he would have to commit suici! de to convince people otherwise. 

The first-term governor will also reimburse the state $919 for flying in a state helicopter to see another of his son's games last Friday,

State police originally said that Christie's trips came at no additional cost to New Jersey taxpayers. The state GOP also contributed $1,232 to pay for Christie's trip on Tuesday, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.