For better or worse the field is set, in my opinion.

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has announced that he won’t run for president.

Christie had been adamant about not seeking the Republican nomination but reconsidered after recently getting encouragement from prominent Republicans including Henry Kissinger, Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush to seek the nomination.

Today’s announcement comes as a new national poll shows Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney regaining the lead for the Republican nomination. The Washington Post-ABC survey finds support for Texas Gov. Rick Perry dropping.

That sigh of relief you hear is Romney, new Quinnipiac poll shows Christie would have been tied with him for the lead at 17%.

Via Political Wire:

A just-released Quinnipiac poll finds New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R)would have run neck and neck with Mitt Romney atop the Republican presidential field with both men getting 17% support.

They were followed by Herman Cain at 12%, Rick Perry at 10% and no other candidate above 7%.