New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie may have felt powerless this week as Donald Trump passed on him as a running mate and a former aide and mentor pleaded guilty to bribery charges.
That's because, literally, he was. At least for a bit.
Christie's day went from bad to worse when a short but powerful storm rocked the quiet neighborhood where he lives in Mendham, New Jersey on Thursday. Strong winds and lightening left debris all over the governor's front yard and even toppled over a tree.
When the storm cleared, Christie, along with his wife and daughter, walked outside to survey the damage. He ignored shouted questions about potentially becoming Trump's running mate.
But when asked if he had electricity, he gave a definitive head shake and a thumbs down.
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Former Christie aide pleads guilty in United Airlines bribery case
Mike Pence's traditional GOP appeal cuts both ways for Trump
The afternoon storm hit shortly after news agencies began reporting that Trump has chosen Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as the Republican vice presidential nominee, leaving Christie and Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich as runners-up.
Christie spoke to Trump Thursday afternoon in what sources described to NBC News' Kelly O'Donnell as a tense conversation in which the real estate mogul told Christie he still had not made up his mind. However, come late Friday morning the choice was clear when Trump tweeted Pence will be his No. 2.
It marks the second time in four years the outspoken governor has been passed up for vice president.
And the development came on the heels of another piece of bad news — Christie's former aide David Samson pleaded to guilty to bribery charges stemming from the Bridgegate scandal.
Samson admitted to using his influence as the chair of the Port Authority in New York and New Jersey to pressure United Airlines to reinstate a rarely used flight from Newark airport to Columbia, South Carolina, near his vacation home.
Jamie Fox, a former Port Authority official with ties to Christie, was also charged Thursday in connection to the case.
Christie held no public events this week, keeping a relatively low profile. In an interview with MSNBC early Thursday, Christie said he had no inclination whether or not he would be Trump's pick.
"I'm a competitive person, so I'm not going to say it won't bother me if I'm not selected." Christie said. "Of course it bothers you a little bit. If you're a competitive person, like I am, and you're used to winning, like I am, again, you don't like coming in second."