NJ Gov. Christie hospitalized for asthma

SOMERVILLE, N.J. -- Gov. Chris Christie was "in charge and at work" in a hospital room yesterday following emergency treatment for asthma, his deputy chief of staff said.

The blunt-talking governor, who some Republicans have been trying to persuade to run for president, was taken to the Somerset Medical Center yesterday morning after he had difficulty breathing.

Christie, 48, who uses an inhaler for asthma, was headed to a bill signing when he felt unwell. The governor was driven to the hospital by his state police security detail out of an "abundance of caution," gubernatorial spokesman Michael Drewniak said.

He walked into Somerset Medical Center at around 10:30 a.m., said Maria Comella, his deputy chief of staff. Christie's EKG, blood work and chest X-ray were normal, and the governor was expected to be discharged from the hospital yesterday evening, Comella said.

In a post on Facebook, Christie's brother Todd Christie described the problem as an asthma attack.

The last time Christie sought emergency treatment for asthma was when he was in law school, Drewniak said.

His wife, Mary Pat, was at the hospital but left after a few hours. Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno was in her office at the Statehouse.

Christie canceled his monthly "Ask the Governor" radio show, which was scheduled for last night. -- AP