A Gov. Chris Christie ally called county Republican chairmen after the governor's surprise endorsement.
TRENTON -- Within an hour of his surprise endorsement of Donald Trump for president Friday, Gov. Chris Christie alerted New Jersey state and county Republican Party leaders he wanted them to support the billionaire businessman, too.
Christie confidante Bill Palatucci said he spoke with party leaders from the 21 county Republican organizations on a conference call following the governor's appearance with Trump in Fort Worth, Texas.
"We had a quick call with some of the county chairs this afternoon and a number of other GOP party leaders," Palatucci said. "The call was within about an hour of the governor's announcement, which came without any opportunity for advance notice."
Christie said he decided before the 10th Republican debate on Thursday night he was ready to throw his support behind Trump.
N.J. reaction to Christie's Trump endorsement
"The response of the county chairs and other party leaders has been great and overwhelmingly positive," Palatucci added.
He said he did not get any commitments immediately, and expected some may not agree with the governor's choice.
"We didn't have unanimous support for Mitt Romney in 2012 and so I'm sure there will be some who go in another direction," Palatucci added.
Somerset County Republican party chairman Al Gaburo, who participated in the call, said he was obligated to discuss the Trump endorsement with the 21 municipal party chairs. Speaking for himself, however, Gaburo said he was ready to support Christie's choice.
"I speak for myself, but the governor is the leader of the Republican Party in the state of New Jersey," Gaburo said. "I expect you will see wide agreement and wide embracing of the governor's choice."
Gaburo said Palatucci laid out central reasons for the governor's choice.
"The two reasons that were given were the governor believes Mr. Trump is the best person to beat Hillary Clinton in the fall. And he believes Mr. Trump will restore America's standing in the world."
The endorsement comes four days before Super Tuesday, when 12 states will hold primaries.
Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.