Christie PAC hires firm for likely 2016 bid

by Mark Hensch - 03/25/15 2:32 PM ET

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s political action committee on Wednesday hired a digital firm in the latest sign of the Republican’s likely presidential run.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Leadership Matters for America hired Upstream Communications Wednesday afternoon. The Austin, Texas, firm will manage online strategies for Christie’s PAC going forward.

“We are excited to join the team at Leadership Matters for America PAC and to support their mission,” Jon Massengale, Upstream’s chief operations officer, said in a statement.

{mosads}Upstream’s website says the studio implements a “comprehensive digital presence” for its clients. The studio will conduct website development, online fundraising and email marketing for Leadership Matters for America.

The firm has previously performed digital operations for a variety of lawmakers, most of them Texans. Former clients include Sen. John Cornyn (R) and Rep. Michael McCaul (R).

Upstream has additionally offered its services to former President George W. Bush and Karl Rove, one of his administration’s senior advisers.

Leadership Matters is one of two Christie PACs that have launched in 2015. A second PAC — America Leads — began operations March 12.

Christie’s PACs will provide a momentum boost should he decide to officially launch a bid for the presidency, helping his potential campaign solicit major donors for repeated, large-money contributions.

Both PACs could allow Christie a chance to gauge early fundraising support among donors and build operatives for an eventual campaign apparatus.

Christie will enter one of the most crowded GOP presidential fields in recent memory should he declare his candidacy. At least 19 other Republicans have expressed interest in seeking the Oval Office so far.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) on Monday became the first major candidate for the presidency from either party, announcing his bid at the conservative-leaning Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is expected to join Cruz as an official GOP contender early next month.

Former first lady Hillary Clinton is the current Democratic favorite, but she has not yet declared her intentions publicly.

Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) are some other Democrats named as potential candidates.

Tags Bernie Sanders Elizabeth Warren Hillary Clinton John Cornyn Rand Paul Ted Cruz