WASHINGTON -- Mitt Romney is brushing aside fresh speculation about whether New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will jump into the Republican presidential sweepstakes, saying "I can't decide what other folks do."
The former Massachusetts governor tells MSNBC in an interview he believes the talk of a Christie entry is all part of the glaring media spotlight on politics. He says, "You've got to find some excitement. You've got to have some intrigue."
Romney and Texas Gov. Rick Perry are dueling at the top of a GOP candidate field that includes one woman, Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota.
In the interview, Romney says he can't control whether Christie chooses to get into the race.
"What happens with other people is kinda out of our control," said Romney. "That's part of his business, of course, which is to generate interest and support him and for his campaign for reelection ultimately in New Jersey."
According to ABC News' Michael Falcone, a Rick Perry spokesman called Christie an "impressive guy...we are in the arena, however."
The New Jersey governor repeated to an audience in California Tuesday night that he wasn't planning to run.
While talking about his own campaign, Romney said that "this is not the next step in my political career. I don't have a political career."
The former Massachusetts Gov. offered some kind words for once-2012 hopeful Donald Trump.
"We did spend time together," Romney said. "I enjoy Donald Trump, he was colorful."
He also praised Herman Cain on his private sector experience and said he that, if elected, he would consider giving him a position in his cabinet.
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