The fundraiser for the Republican National Committee — co-hosted by Chairman Reince Preibus and Johnson — was headlined by a who’s-who of 2016 speculation, including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Rep. Paul Ryan, Sens. Rand Paul and Marco Rubio, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, and Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder…

“They actually really like Rand because of how he came out and supported Romney,” the adviser said, adding, “I think he’ll surprise a lot of people with how much he can raise from [Romney’s former donors].”

One prominent New York Republican concurred, telling BuzzFeed after the event that while he was “surprisingly” impressed by Rubio’s mastery of the issues, too many are underestimating Paul’s appeal among the moneyed crowd that populated Johnson’s home Monday.