New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie scored an important endorsement for president on Monday from New Hampshire Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley – another sign that the GOPer is picking up momentum in the crucial early voting state.
In a statement, Bradley, a one-time U.S. Congressman, said Christie, a former U.S. attorney, “has the practical real-world executive experience to lead the United States,” especially in “these dangerous times for our nation.”
Several other candidates had been seeking Bradley’s endorsement. And it comes on the heels of the conservative-leaning New Hampshire Union-Leader also announcing its support for Christie in 2016.
In recent weeks, Christie has seen his favorability rise in New Hampshire, where he has alll but staked his campaign, even as he has struggled to gain much traction nationally in the crowded GOP field. The governor has seized on the recent Paris terrorist attacks to tout his national security background as a U.S. attorney in the aftermath of 9/11.
According to the latest average of polling data for the GOP nomination fight, compiled by Real Clear Politics, Christie is tied for sixth place nationally with former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina. Both have just 3% support.
Real estate mogul Donald Trump, meanwhile, has a commanding lead with 30.3%, followed by retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson at 16%, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas at 15.3%, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida at 14.3% and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush at 4.3%.
Bradley, who said in his endorsement that he thinks Christie would be able to take on special interests and entitlement reform, will join the governor at his town hall in Wolfeboro, N.H. on Friday.