Governor Baker endorses Chris Christie

Photo source: Wiki Commons

By Erin Crowley 2/4/2016

Gov. Charlie Baker of Massachusetts is endorsing Gov. Chris Christie for the presidential election.

The two bonded over the past few years as Republican governors of traditionally Democratic states. Baker, said in his Friday announcement that the United States “needs a strong and tested executive to lead our country, especially one who has been so effective leading a blue state with conservative reforms.”

Baker’s endorsement could represent an expression of gratitude for Christie’s assistance during the 2014 Massachusetts Governor Race. Christie was chairman of the Republican Governors Association and directed $11 million to the Baker campaign to thwart the opponent, Martha Coakley, according to CNN. Baker is expected to apply his fundraising skills to the Christie campaign and urge governors for support.

“I believe that when I emerge as the top governor from New Hampshire, that those governors will come in line and begin to support the idea of having a governor,” Christie told reporters on Wednesday, hoping to defeat the two opposing GOP governors, Jeb Bush and John Kasich.

Christie is among several other candidates who have spent ample time in New Hampshire during this election cycle preparing for the primary. He has spent more than 70 days in New Hampshire and held more than 150 events.

Baker intends to make public appearances alongside Christie to show his support. “I’ve gotten to know Chris very well over the years and know he is the leader our nation needs in Washington.” Baker said in a statement released by Christie’s campaign.