Political action committees ramp up for Christie

TRENTON, N.J. — Allies of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie have launched a super PAC that can raise unlimited money toward his likely bid for president and added advisers, one of them from Republican campaigns, to another team supporting his political ambitions.

The America Leads super PAC was registered with the Federal Election Commission on Feb. 23, said its executive director, Phil Cox, who worked closely with Christie at the Republican Governors Association last year.

“He’s provided effective, conservative leadership in a deep blue state, bringing people together to solve difficult problems and get results,” Cox said in a statement. “That’s the kind of leadership we need in America today, and we hope he decides to run.”

Christie’s most vocal cheerleader, Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone, said this week he’d already started raising money for the group.

“I know people that are getting ready to write six-figure checks for the super PAC,” he said.

Christie has been overshadowed by rivals in recent months. He’s also lagged in measures of public opinion, although polls are of limited use this early in the race.

Another political action committee — this one not a super PAC — is also staffing up for Christie. The Leadership Matters for America PAC said Thursday it has brought on three advisers with national experience, one from former President George W. Bush’s campaigns. Brian Jones was a communications director for the Republican National Committee. The others are Kevin Shuvalov and Cary Evans. Unlike super PACs, this team has strict donor limits.