Later this week hundreds of New Jersey's lobbying and political elite will take part in an annual schmooze-fest when they board the Chamber of Commerce's train ride to Washington.

But gubernatorial hopeful Chris Christie won't be there.

The web site In the Lobby wrote this morning that the former U.S. Attorney isn't going and we've confirmed it with a Christie adviser.

The trip, literally a ride to Washington in a train charted by the chamber followed by parties and dinners at night, is billed as the "premier networking event in the state." What that translates to is hundreds of lobbyists, business leaders and politicians jammed together in tight quarters for hours, with booze, to facilitate button-holing and exchanges of business cards and yes, networking. Participants say it's a great chance to meet people. Critics say it's a rolling special interest machine.

In years past candidates have used the train trip to hand out all manner of trinkets (pens, key chains) and pitch themselves. (In 2005 the campaign for failed Republican gubernatorial candidate Robert Schroeder gave out a first aid kit, which an aide explained was meant to help heal New Jersey, and included aspirin for the hang over riders would have the next day).

But Christie has a few reasons to skip out this year. From a practical perspective, he has not yet officially kicked off his campaign or announced any policy positions yet. For another, someone pitching himself as a force for change might worry about the appearances of participating in such an insider-heavy event. If this trip is any indication, it's a good bet that Christie will be playing up his status as a Trenton outsider throughout his candidacy.

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