New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, rising GOP star, has health scare

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was hospitalized Thursday morning after having trouble breathing, according to his office.

The Republican governor checked into Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, N.J., “out of an abundance of caution,” press secretary Michael Drewniak said in a statement.

“In line with someone dealing with asthma, he is being given routine tests as a precautionary measure,” Drewniak said. “The governor is extremely grateful for the quality of care he is receiving this morning and has nothing but praise for the world-class doctors, nurses and staff.”

The governor has acknowledged leading an unhealthy lifestyle. In a recent interview with CNN’s Piers Morgan, Christie said he feels “guilty” about his weight.

“I’m really struggling, been struggling for a long time with it, and I know that it would be better for my kids if I got it more under control. And so I do feel a sense of guilt at times about that,” he said.

Christie, a rising star among national conservatives, was in Iowa this week, where he again ruled out a presidential run in 2012.

“In the end, it’s something you’ve got to believe in your heart is necessary for you to do with your life. As I said before, I don’t feel that at the moment,” Christie told reporters.