“It’s a plus-plus. At the end of the day, Christie is a star,” said political consultant Ed Rollins, who worked for Mike Huckabee, the candidate who won the Iowa caucuses four years ago.

“This benefits Christie. He got to meet all the party leaders and the activists in Iowa. He’s enhanced himself.”

Rollins said a President Romney would be indebted to Christie for his vigorous support, making the Jersey pol “first among equals” among governors with access and influence in a Romney administration.

Iowa voters said they admire Chrstie’s earthy charisma and plain-spoken style.