Hotline On Call

Washington Republicans: Don't say Chris Christie didn't warn you.

At an August fundraiser for Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna's gubernatorial campaign, Christie warned attendees that if he didn't see the election going "very well," he would hold them personally responsible. "Don't make me come back here," he joked with the crowd. But on October 4 Christie will do just that, holding fundraisers for McKenna in Lynwood and Kennewick.

Joke or no, Christie's return trip could be a sign of concern: With just two months to go before election day, McKenna is running roughly as far behind former Democratic Rep. Jay Inslee as he did in the August 7 primary.

Last week, Inslee held a sold-out fundraiser with Bill Clinton that brought in over $750,000. Both candidates have had strong fundraising, but they're about even, having each raised nearly $9 million so far this cycle.

In an email to Hotline on Call, McKenna communications director Charles McCray said that the Christie events are not a sign of trouble. "Things are going just fine for us; very well, actually," said McCray. "The reality is Governor Christie is one of many people across the country following Rob's campaign and rooting for his success."