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.

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.”