Chris Christie helps GOP governors hit fundraising record

With Gov. Chris Christie, R-N.J., at the helm, the Republican Governors Association raised $23.5 million in the first three months of 2014, setting a first-quarter fundraising record.

The new fundraising record is more than double what the RGA raised in the first quarter of 2010. The group also has nearly $60 million cash on hand as of March 31 -- nearly double the amount it had four years ago.

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As one of the nation's most high-profile governors, Christie was elected chairman of the RGA in November. Less than two months later, however, Christie's administration came under fire for the George Washington Bridge scandal, and it became unclear whether Christie could be an effective fundraiser for the RGA.

While state and federal investigators this year sought out information about the seemingly politically-motivated traffic jams, Christie embarked on a nationwide fundraising tour. He made stops in Texas, Illinois, New York, Georgia and elsewhere.

There are 36 ongoing governor's races, and there are 22 Republican governors up for re-election this year.