Conclusion: Already a powerhouse fundraiser, McDonnell has increased his national reach with his RGA role. He seems to embrace the unpleasant task of raising money, a plus for Romney.
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal: In the past, candidates for governor of Louisiana have raised about $5 million. Jindal raised $13.8 million for his 2007 bid against Democrat Walter Boasso, who raised $7 million. Over the next four years, Jindal raised $15.2 million ahead of his 2011 reelection race. His out-of-state donations increased between his two gubernatorial elections, from 11 percent in 2007 to 30 percent in 2011. Especially lucrative for him has been neighboring Texas, where he raised $2 million over the course of his career. He’s also done well in the important fundraising states of California, Florida and New York, and his Gulf Coast roots have helped him secure $662,000 from the oil and gas industry. Jindal is currently serving on the executivecommittee of the RGA, which has helped expand his national profile.
Conclusion: Jindal could help Romney shore up giving from Southern states, where he is a popular commodity. He’s also proven he will go above and beyond the necessary fundraising.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie: Christie’s 2009 opponent, Democrat Jon Corzine, swamped him in the money department – Corzine raised $30.6 million to Christie’s $5.8. At the time, 83 percent of his donations came from within New Jersey. Since then, his fundraising star has taken off. Christie is serving as the vice chairman of the RGA, meaning he has helped McDonnell bring in the group’s impressive haul and is getting exposure to big Republican donors across the country. He has also become an in-demand fundraising partner for other Republican candidates. In 2010, he helped raise $9 million for candidates in 15 states, according to his 2009 strategist and longtime advisor Mike DuHaime. Since 2011, Christie campaigned or raised money for Romney in six states, and visited Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, New York, Massachusetts, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia and Kentucky to help other federal candidates raise money. Those trips have likely brought in about another $4 million nationally.
Conclusion: Christie has strong roots in the New York fundraising world, and he is an effective team player for the national party.
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