COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has endorsed Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter for a third term at a Republican party campaign fundraising event in northern Idaho.

The Coeur d'Alene Press reports the event at the Coeur d'Alene Resort on Friday evening drew about 350 people to hear Christie talk about the Republican Party and why Idaho should re-elect Otter. Christie says he came to Idaho to make sure no one doubts he backs Otter. Otter has not officially announced he's seeking a third term, but he's hired a campaign manager.

Christie says the two governors became friends when he joined the Republican Governor's Association that Christie now chairs. The New Jersey governor easily won re-election in November, but has downplayed his front-runner status for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.

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