New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s (R) political action committee has hired Texas-based digital firm Upstream Communications, suggesting that Christie is continuing to make preparations to run for president in 2016.
Christie’s Leadership Matters for America PAC announced on Wednesday that it had hired the firm to do website development and online fundraising, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Upstream has previously done work for Sen. John Cornyn’s (R-Texas) and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s (R) political action committees. Upstream has also consulted for Karl Rove and former President George W. Bush.
The Upstream hiring news comes as a few stories have started to ask what is taking Christie so long to either jump into the race (Sen. Ted Cruz announced his candidacy on Monday) or make louder noises about running. A headline in The Huffington Post on Tuesday said “Christie May Be Lagging Behind As A 2016 Candidate, But He’s Got A Card To Play.” Similarly, a Wall Street Journal headline a day earlier said “Christie Holds Off as Other Republicans Jump In.” That story said Christie was unlikely to announce his decision one way or the other in April, when many other likely candidates have suggested they plan to jump into the 2016 race.
The Journal report on Upstream noted that Christie has been actively raising money toward a possible 2016 bid, but he’s also been fundraising for Republicans in his home state.
