New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie might finally be hitting his Granite State stride. The Republican presidential candidate has been one of the most ardent campaigners in New Hampshire this year. But those dozens of town hall meetings, tavern meet-and-greets and policy roundtables have -- so far -- appeared to pay few dividends.
Is that about to change?
It's only Tuesday, but Christie has already had a pretty good week. It started with the endorsement of the Union Leader on Sunday. The newspaper cited what it called Christie's conservative track record and blunt style. Expect more pro-Christie columns and editorials from the state's largest newspaper.
Christie rolled into the state Monday with the UL wind at his back, picking up the support of a well-known Seacoast businesswoman and hosting a packed town hall meeting in Loudon.
Today, Christie nabbed the backing of a top GOP name: former New Hampshire House Speaker Donna Sytek.
But will Christie's good times keep rolling? And will a burst of good news and energy translate to actual votes on Primary Day?
Here are a few of the best analyses of these questions from the past day:
- The website FiveThirtyEight looks at the numbers to see what impact, if any, the UL's endorsement has had for past Republican presidential candidates: "At the least, the Union Leader endorsement doesn’t hurt Christie in his quest to convert his high net favorability ratings in New Hampshire into votes, and it could be a good sign that he’s on his way to doing so."
- Politico looks at Christie's recent burst in the context of his long-term, on-the-ground New Hampshire campaign strategy: "Christie's attention to detail is much appreciated in a small state where retail politicking is expected and the state's political class is accustomed to — and appreciates — small courtesies."
- The New York Times tallies Christie's aggressive texting/calling/smoozing approach to winning the hearts and minds of Granite State GOP notables: "As Mr. Christie tries to revive a presidential candidacy that seemed all but doomed, his assiduous courtship of civic and political figures across New Hampshire, the first state to hold a Republican primary, is emerging as potentially potent, unseen force."
