New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said on Wednesday that he is deliberating a run for president in 2016, according to ABC News.
The governor made the comments during a "fiscal summit" in Washington, where he added the George Washington Bridge scandal "will be a footnote" by the time the election comes along.
Christie also defended himself and said the investigation proves "there hasn't been one suggestion that I knew anything about" the lane closures in Fort Lee, New Jersey.
When asked by CBS News' Bob Scheiffer if he is thinking about running for president and when he will make a decision, he responded "Yes, and later."
He also mentioned he is close friends with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush -- another potential 2016 GOP candidate.
"You don't like to run against people who are your friends," Christie said. "You like to run against people you don't like. It's easier."
The conference Christie spoke at was held by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, which was created to increase public awareness of budget deficits and increasing national debt, ABC News said.
Aside from his presidential aspirations, Christie said he would announce a plan next week about dealing with New Jersey's budget shortfall. However, tax increases will not be a part of that plan.
While he also expressed support for a minimum wage increase in New Jersey, he doesn't support a federal minimum wage increase.
"The problem we have in this country is not income inequality," Christie said. "It's opportunity inequality."
