Christie's big political test

The potential 2016 presidential candidate will fundraise in Florida over the weekend for Gov. Rick Scott. But can he shore up support amid 'Bridgegate'?

Chris Christie is waist deep in controversy, but the New Jersey governor is also in high demand.

Bridgegate be damned, the potential 2016 Republican presidential candidate is set to fundraise in Florida over the weekend for Gov. Rick Scott. It will Christie’s first out-of-state political trip of the year and a big test to see if he can shore up support for Scott – even as his own administration is embroiled in an investigation into the closure of lanes at the George Washington Bridge’s, possibly for political retribution. Christie also being probed for the potential misuse of Hurricane Sandy relief money to produce tourism ads featuring his family during his bid for a second term in office.

Gov. Scott’s office would not comment on Christie’s visit to the Sunshine State, where Christie is expected to hold fundraisers in Naples, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. But Susan Hepworth, a spokesperson for the Republican Party of Florida, brushed off suggestions that Christie could be a liability for Scott.

“We are grateful to have the [Republican Governors Association] chairman in town this weekend to do some events benefitting Rick Scott’s re-election campaign. Governor Christie has taken responsibility for the situation and we are looking forward to having him down in Florida,” said Hepworth.

Meanwhile, Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz plans to trail Christie as he makes his way across Florida, holding pressers in Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale on the same days as the New Jersey governor to discuss his recent troubles and Scott’s “failed record.”

The DNC noted in a statement that the fundraisers are not public events and that Christie and Scott are not expected to make a joint appearance.

It “means either Chris Christie doesn’t want to answer questions about his scandal or Rick Scott just doesn’t want to be seen in public with Christie. We don’t blame either of them,” said the DNC.

Less than two months ago, Christie was elected to the coveted position of chairman of the Republican Governor’s Association. The job allows him to travel the country to support and fundraise for GOP governors and candidates, especially for the 36 statewide races in 2014. Of course, the valuable perch also gives him big-time exposure should he decide to run for president in 2016.

Despite many on the far right using the governor’s troubles as a chance to beat up on Christie, who they’ve always seen as a “Republican In Name Only,” several other GOP governors who have elections on the horizon and undeniably want RGA support are coming out in support for Christie. That includes Nikki Haley of South Carolina, Susana Martinez of New Mexico, Terry Branstad of Iowa and John Kasich of Ohio. 

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Branstad said Christie showed “leadership” after getting rid of staff who were involved in the lane closures. Christie has denied having any involvement or knowledge of the plan.  Haley said “he did the right thing.” Martinez applauded him for “strong action.”

But Christie’s troubles may only be beginning. New Jersey lawmakers have been picked for the special committee investigating the “Bridgegate” scandal. They’ll be authorized with subpoena power on Thursday. Aides to the committee told NBC News that they would likely seek documents first before ordering testimony from Christie’s staff.

The state lawmaker committee hired Reid Schar, a former assistant U.S. attorney who helped prosecute former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich for trying to sell President Obama’s vacated Senate seat in 2011.

Meanwhile, Christie’s office announced that it made a high-profile hire of its own, retaining law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher to assist with an internal review and to cooperate with the investigation by the Justice Department. The team will be led by Randy Mastro, a former federal prosecutor in New York who has focused on organized crime. Mastro served as an assistant attorney under former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and later became the city’s deputy mayor under him.

Christie is trying to go about business as usual. On Thursday he visited the Jersey Shore to tour the Superstorm Sandy relief efforts and to meet with impacted homeowners.

“Nothing will distract me from getting that job done. Nothing,” he said.