Democrats believe the probe will make public what they say is privately known about Christie in New Jersey: That he fosters a culture of intimidation within his administration.

And that undercuts Christie’s brand, as a straight-talking, no-nonsense governor who acts for his state and not for himself.

Democratic state Sen. Ray Lesniak (D-N.J.) said Christie “prides himself on creating an atmosphere, of fear of and intimidation by him, that really put something like this [situation] in place.”

Correct the Record Communications Director Adrienne Elrod suggested the situation offers voters the first taste of a prospective Christie presidency.

“This is a possible glimpse at how Chris Christie thinks government should work and how it should be run, in a way that leads to serious allegations of abuse of power for political retribution,” she said.