Christie gets endorsement from six key Iowa Republicans

Gov. Chris Chistie (R) hopes to reinvigorate his Iowa campaign with endorsements from six Republicans who approached him in 2012 to run for president.

Bruce Rastetter, Gary Kirke, Denny Elwell, Mike Richards, Mikel Derby and Jim Kersten are gave Christie their endorsement at the Iowa Historical Building in Des Moines according to KCCI TV.

"I'm going to work hard and we're going to turn people around," Christie said. "We are going to reinvigorate the debate going on in Iowa, right now."

Gov. Chris Christie speaks during a news conference in Des Moines, Iowa. Looking on are supporters Denny Elwell, left, and Bruce Rastetter, right. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

"What we've looked at and come around to is similar thoughts as in 2011," said Bruce Rastetter, a majority GOP donor who made his fortune in the pork and ethanol industries. "We need blunt, bold leadership. We need somebody that can actually govern."

The seven flew aboard a private plane to New Jersey in 2011 and approached Christie making a run for the White House. Two have long been vocal supporters and one has said he would not endorse because he works for an elected official.

Christie has received positive feedback from his performance in two debates but he remains in single digits in polls in both Iowa and New Hampshire.

Filed Under: Chris Christie