Former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie says he is ?very interested? in running for governor on the Republican ballot next year.

Though unwilling to offer specifics on what he would do as governor, Christie says he is taking the steps necessary to possibly run. A final decision on whether or not he will run has not been made.

?If you feel like you can make your state a better place, then you have a responsibility to do so,? he says. ?You better make that decision carefully."

Christie developed a reputation as a corruption buster in office and retired with more than 130 convictions after seven years. He helped take down a number of scandalized lawmakers, including former Newark Mayor Sharpe James, state Sen. Wayne Bryant and former Passaic Mayor Sammy Rivera.

Two other Republicans have announced their intention to run ? Assemblyman Richard Merkt and Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan.

Christie steps down as U.S. attorney