Israel visit to boost Christie’s VP credentials

New Jersey governor Chris Christie has kicked off his first official overseas trip, meeting Israel’s leader in a visit that may boost the rising Republican star’s foreign policy credentials ahead of November’s presidential election.

Christie, 49, is mentioned as a potential vice-presidential candidate in 2012 and a possible presidential candidate in 2016. He has brushed aside repeated feelers from top Republican donors about entering this year’s presidential race.

Christie’s Israel visit could raise speculation that he is positioning himself for a future run, and his trip will be watched by Democrats and Republicans alike.