“If Gov. Christie decides to run, he will win”

As they lay out a possible path to victory, Mr. Christie’s allies cite strategists they have assembled in Iowa, the first state on the nominating calendar, who are aligned with the state’s Republican governor, Terry Branstad.

In early-voting South Carolina, Mr. Christie’s allies see natural supporters in the communities of retired Northeast transplants in places such as Sun City near Hilton Head Island…

While Mr. Christie’s backers say his prospects are good in Iowa, some in his camp also contend the state isn’t central to their prospects. Ken Langone, one of Mr. Christie’s top financial supporters, pointed out that Rick Santorum won the state’s caucuses in 2012.

“What did it do for him overall?” Mr. Langone asked. “Nada. Nothing. Zippo.”

“How are you going to let a bunch of old ladies sitting in a room saying who they like and don’t like determine who is going to be the next president?” Mr. Langone also asked, referring to the Iowa caucuses.