Christie raises $2 million for N.J. re-election campaign

N.J. Gov. Chris Christie has raised more than $2 million for his re-election bid so far — without holding a single fund-raising event.

Political analysts say he may not be toeing the party line this week, but it’s not hurting his fund-raising ability.

The report from his campaign office comes a day after Christie blasted House Republicans for putting off a $60 billion Sandy relief package.

Rider University political scientist Ben Dworkin says the timing is no coincidence and carries a big message from Christie: “Look at this momentum. Look at how inevitable my election is going to be.”

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So far, only one Democrat, state Sen. Barbara Buono, has emerged as a candidate to take on the governor.

Dworkin predicts Christie will outspend any Democratic challenger by millions, but his own 2009 victory over Jon Corzine — in which Corzine spent more than his challenger — shows nothing is a given.

“As we saw in 2009, just because you’re outspent, doesn’t mean you’re going to lose,” Dworkin said.

Dworkin said he doubts Christie’s harsh words for fellow Republicans in Congress will have any impact on his campaign chest down the line … and could even work in his favor by rallying independents in the blue state of New Jersey.

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