Christie lands RNC fundraising chief for potential 2016 presidential bid

TRENTON, N.J. — The Republican National Committee’s top fundraiser is stepping down this week as he prepares to join New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s prospective presidential campaign.

Texas-based fundraiser Ray Washburne told The Associated Press on Monday he would not be the RNC’s finance chairman by the end of the week. He declined to comment further because Christie has yet to announce his 2016 intentions.

Christie’s team is expected to start making moves to raise money for a prospective presidential campaign by the end of the month, according to a person who has been in touch with Christie’s team, but who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to discuss plans publicly.

Christie’s chief political adviser, Mike DuHaime, declined to comment.

Online oddsmaker Bovada has Christie at 14-1 odds to win the White House, while Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin are both at 60-1.

STEVE PEOPLES AND JILL COLVIN, Associated Press