New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will court donors at a Thursday luncheon in the exclusive Minikahda Club overlooking Lake Calhoun. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio was to have made the same request across town at a noontime fundraiser at the posh Minneapolis Club.
The Rubio campaign said late Wednesday night that its Minneapolis fundraiser would have to be rescheduled because the senator needs to be in Washington for an expected vote on the Iran nuclear treaty.
Most voters here won't get to see Christie deliver a stump speech. His event is off limits to all but those willing to open their checkbooks, and the candidate has not scheduled any public appearances.
For those Minnesotans willing to pay for access, it's a rare firsthand view of a real, live contender in the still-crowded, 17-person Republican presidential field. For Christie, it's about identifying and influencing well-heeled Minnesota donors — many of whom have yet to back a specific candidate.
"It's still early to make that decision," said Harold Hamilton, CEO and founder of the Fridley technology manufacturer Micro Control Co. Hamilton has given tens of thousands of dollars to national and state Republican candidates over the years, but so far hasn't cut a check for a 2016 contender.
Hamilton said he was not invited to the Christie or Rubio fundraisers. His early favorite is Ben Carson, the retired Baltimore neurosurgeon who has lately begun rising in the polls.
Bill Guidera is a 21st Century Fox executive who lives in Minnesota and formerly served as finance chairman for the state Republican Party. He confirmed that many of the state's traditional big-dollar donors haven't yet been forthcoming with contributions.
"Many people are waiting to see how debates go and how the campaigns pan out for a while before they make their decisions," said Guidera, who for the time being is keeping his candidate options open.
