Christie: "I Don't Really Care" About Opposition Research, Bachmann "Very Close" to 2012 Decision

The 2012 GOP presidential race has been slow moving and late to take shape as compared to recent cycles, however when there is news it comes fast and furious. Even as one official candidate took the week off to ride his bike, others are either making campaign news or steadfastly denying a campaign even exists.

A quick recap:

Christie Says Let 'Em Investigate Me

With Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee out of the 2012 GOP race, many on the right once more are looking longingly to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Christie has repeatedly asserted he is not running for the job, but that hasn't stopped friendlies to the Obama campaign from working up opposition research on him.

Asked Tuesday for his reaction to that news, Christie provided -- as usual -- a wry reaction.

"Typical politics... you know, that that's their prerogative and you know, they won't have a chance to use it, though, because I'm not going to be the Republican candidate for president or vice president in 2012, so that's something they'll just have to put in the circular file once the nominees are selected."

Christie added that by not running, he's helping the opposition researcher being paid to get information that will never be used.

"So hopefully someday that guy will do me a favor," he said.

Rudy Thinking about Jumping into 2012?

As FOX News' Chris Stirewalt reports in Tuesday's Power Play, "The loftiest trial balloon yet from Rudy Giuliani's camp was hoisted up on Monday night by Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., who told reporters that the former New York mayor and 2008 candidate was leaning toward mounting a run."

Santorum to Make if Official Week of June 5

An aide close to former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum tells FOX NEWS the senator will make a "major announcement regarding the 2012 Presidential race" during the week of June 5th, adding that "he is making preparations to officially throw his hat in the ring."

Gingrich Makes Personnel Moves

The Newt Gingrich campaign announced Tuesday that "Three of Georgia's top conservative leaders will help lead Newt Gingrich's just launched campaign for President." Former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue and former Sen. Zell Miller (who was also a former governor) will serve as national chairmen and current Gov. Nathan Deal will chair Newt 2012 in Georgia.

Cain Still Explaining

Herman Cain was the surprise winner of the FOX News South Carolina GOP Presidential debate, but has since run into a couple speed bumps. On Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace, Cain seemed to stumble over the idea of "the right of return," which refers to the idea that Palestinians would be allowed to return to the land they lost in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

Cain admitted the mistake and tried to move on during an interview with Sean Hannity Tuesday night. "A lot of people think you didn't understand the right of return," said Hannity. "They are right..." replied Cain. "Chris caught me off guard. I didn't understand the right of return."

Cain went on to explain that he has since studied up on the subject and thinks the decision should left to the Israelis.

Bachmann "Coming Very Close" to 2012 Decision

Minnesota Congresswoman and Tea Party darling Michele Bachmann has a lot of people hoping she will get into the race, and she tells FOX NEWS, "We are coming very close now."

Bachmann told Fox & Friends "We have been meeting with our team of advisers and I have been travelling across the U.S. and have said already that I am planning to make my intentions known in June..."

However, that will not stop speculation from surrounding Bachmann's appearance in Des Moines, Iowa this Thursday at a dinner organized by local Republicans. This will be her fourth trip to Iowa this year, home of the nation's leadoff presidential caucuses.