http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/279204-christie-to-lead-trump-white-house-transition-teamMay 09, 2016, 11:16 am
Christie to lead Trump White House transition team
By Ben Kamisar
Donald Trump has tapped Chris Christie to lead his transition team, which would prepare the political neophyte turned presumptive GOP nominee for the White House if he wins in the general election.
“Governor Christie is an extremely knowledgeable and loyal person with the tools and resources to put together an unparalleled Transition Team, one that will be prepared to take over the White House when we win in November,” Trump said in a quote released Monday morning as part of a campaign statement.
“I am grateful to Governor Christie for his contributions to this movement.”
The campaign said it expects to have the transition team running in an "official capacity" in November.
With six months until the general election and eight until the next president's inauguration, President Obama took his first step toward the eventual transition last week with an executive order creating the White House Transition Coordinating Council.
Christie was an early supporter of Trump, jumping on board in the heat of primary season after his own failed bid. The New Jersey governor has also been working to help repair Trump’s image with the GOP, telling reporters Thursday that he’d meet with House Speaker Paul Ryan to help ease his concerns after the top Republican said he would not yet endorse Trump.
Christie is also seen as a potential Trump cabinet or vice presidential pick if he wins the White House.
The campaign’s statement also notes that Trump “has begun shifting towards a general election strategy and implementing an infrastructure capable of securing a victory.” A big part of that plan has been bringing on long-time operatives and those familiar with the intricacies of a general election race.
Last week, he hired former Goldman Sachs partner Steve Mnuchin as his national finance chairman as he begins to build out a fundraising operation he hopes will help him defeat the Democratic nominee in the fall.
