Jersey Shore - Nj Democrat Cory Booker Weighing Runs For Governor Or Us Senate

NEW YORK, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Newark Mayor Cory Booker is giving serious thought to challenging Chris Christie when the New Jersey governor runs for re-election next year and will announce his plans within two weeks, Booker said on Sunday.

"I am absolutely considering running for governor, as well as giving other options some consideration," said Booker, one of the state's leading Democrats and an early favorite to challenge Christie next November.

Booker, appearing on CBS's "Face the Nation" program, said he is also weighing a run for the U.S. Senate.

"Life, ultimately, is not about a position. It's about a purpose," Booker told the morning talk show. "So I'm really thinking about both offices right now, and which one can I better serve the issues that I'm passionate about and the things I feel driven to contribute to."

Christie, who took office three years ago, has been enjoying sky-high approval ratings for his handling of Superstorm Sandy, which plowed into the Jersey Shore in late October, laying waste to thousands of homes and tearing up miles of beach-front