The Hill News

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) dispatched $25,000 to New Jersey's state Republican Party, building more support through financial support to state parties.

Romney sent the money to the Garden State after having sent $5,000 to the Wisconsin and Massachusetts state GOP, and another $6,000 to the New Hampshire Republican Party â€" the site of the nation's first 2012 primary.

“It is important to help candidates who are fighting for conservative principles whether in Washington or in the states," Romney said in a statement. "I am happy to support the New Jersey GOP as its leaders fight to cut spending and stand up for the taxpayer.”

The donations would seem to be part of an effort by Romney to curry favor with state parties and GOP pols across the country as he ramps up a potential presidential campaign. He's also sent over $300,000 this year to incumbent Republicans in Congress.

The money in New Jersey is especiall! y significant because the state's top Republican is Gov. Chris Christie, a rockstar among conservatives who's had to brush back efforts to draw him into the presidential campaign, and whose eventual endorsement in the 2012 GOP primary could prove valuable for a candidate.

Romney and Christie met in January in New Jersey.