DuHaime wouldn’t comment on reports that Christie plans to hold town halls soon in New Hampshire. “Any speculation on tactics is premature, but he has done nearly 130 town halls in New Jersey, so many see that as part of his natural strength in a state that values direct communication with voters.”

If Christie succeeds on the trail, money will follow, Bergeron says. “There’s still a lot more money out there, and it can shift later if the people shift.”

Comparing donors is not a preoccupation of voters, says Kerry Marsh, Concord, N.H., Republican chairwoman. Christie’s fundraising base is not that big a concern to people outside political circles, she says. “It’s more about what he stands for.”