Christie Allies Freed To Support Other Candidates     Someone
who has been occupying more than a little bit of air time and
attention in the Republican presidential race, has officially
announced she is not running. In a letter to supporters, Sarah
Palin says, instead of seeking the nomination, she'll use her
influence to help elect Republicans across the country. This
helps solidify the Republican presidential primary field, now
that New Jersey governor Chris Christie has confirmed he won't
enter the race either.  One immediate result, his core group of
financial industry fundraisers, a group that had been urging
Christie to run, is free to pick up other candidates. NPR's
Peter Overby reports.  PETER OVERBY, BYLINE: Christie himself
said he wasn't choosing sides in the primary.  GOVERNOR CHRIS
CHRISTIE: If I feel like there's someone in the field who is -
gives us the best chance to defeat the president, I'll endorse
that person, and I'll work hard for that person. But I'm not in
a position, today, to make t