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Al Hoffman, who has been Jeb Bush's top campaign fundraiser, said the pressure for Bush to run has ebbed in recent months as he has insisted he will not be a candidate. "I have had enough heart-to-hearts with him to the point where he very politely has said, please don't raise the issue again," said Hoffman. Should Indiana's Daniels decide not to run, the pressure could increase on Christie. Christie, a former U.S. attorney elected governor only 15 months ago, has been adamant and at times colorful in insisting that 2012 is off the table. By agreeing to meet with Rastetter's group, Christie is not hinting at a change in plans, DuHaime said. But the contacts could help him as he seeks to expand his leadership in the party, whether it's influencing the 2012 nomination or preserving valuable contacts for the future. "To the extent he cares about the party and the nominating process, knowing more people, like Bruce, that are influential in that process is a good thing," DuHaime said. "This is simply part of getting to know other people who are going to be key players in the process." Christie wowed an audience of 800 Iowa Republicans last October when he headlined a Branstad fundraiser in a suburb of Des Moines, the Iowa capital. The former prosecutor's tough-talking "put up or shut up" advice for the party impressed Rastetter, who was Branstad's top fundraiser. Branstad, who hasn't endorsed a presidential candidate, has sung Christie's praises for his get-tough approach to spending, especially public employee pensions and benefits. He said after hearing Christie speak in October, "I don't think I've been that inspired by a speech since Ronald Reagan." It's inspiration that Florida's Hoffman said is lacking most of all in the 2012 hopefuls, and something their opponent has in plenty. "Obama is the most masterful campaigner I've ever observed," Hoffman said. "Our problem is we have a number of candidates who would make great presidents, but very few that make great candidates."
[Associated
Press;
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