A study released Tuesday found that media interest in a Chris Christie 2016 run has matched speculation surrounding Hillary Clinton’s own White House ambitions. But the New Jersey governor’s potential Republican rivals have attracted plenty of coverage, too.
The findings from Pew showed that Christie and Clinton have each been the subject of 82 newspaper stories this year that connected them to a presidential run in 2016. And while no other potential Democratic candidate generated more than 22 stories, several GOP contenders were within shouting distance of Christie’s total.
Bolstered by renewed speculation that he’ll make yet another White House run, Mitt Romney has been the subject of 74 stories. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Rand Paul (R-KY) have been the subject of 68 and 67 stories, respectively.
The study serves as a fitting parallel to the 2016 landscape for each party. While Clinton appears to be the clear frontrunner for the Democratic nomination if she decides to run, polls show decidedly more parity among Republicans.