Chris Christie revs up 2016 White House preparations

Washburne and Christie political adviser Michael DuHaime did not immediately respond to requests for comment from USA TODAY on Monday afternoon.

A number of potential White House contenders are accelerating their timelines in response to former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s decision last month to explore a campaign. Late last week, Romney told a small group of donors that he is weighing a third run for the presidency.

Those moves have put extra pressure on Christie to act quickly because he is likely to seek the financial support of the same circle of GOP establishment power brokers and fundraisers.