Chris Christie hugs Ronald Reagan, ignores Jerry Brown | The Sacramento Bee

No matter what they felt about his politics or presidential prospects, one thing California Republicans could always look forward to when New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie came around was a jab or two at California Gov. Jerry Brown.

Christie has publicly criticized Brown’s tax policies, and he called the fourth-term Democrat an “old retread” in 2012.

But in a speech at the California Republican Party’s biannual convention Saturday, Christie didn’t glance at state Capitol across the street, never once mentioned Brown.

Christie is a potential presidential candidate now, and a dust-up would likely do nothing for his cause.

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Instead, Christie invoked the name of another California governor, taking the more statesmanlike path and the one out-of-state guests typically plow.

“I’m honored to be here today with all of you,” he said, “in the state of Ronald Reagan.”