Chris Christie Campaigning in Colorado

School, tenure reforms in New Jersey touted as the state's governor campaigns for Mitt Romney

Gov. Chris Christie on Wednesday kicked off a two-day mix of Republican politicking and Mitt Romney fundraising that will highlight his Jersey profile in one of the states both presidential contenders believe could help sway this election.

In town for a Republican Governors Association conference, Christie and other big-name Republican governors talked up education reform and other favorite GOP issues Wednesday night at a forum organized by the Aspen Institute. The friendly crowd that filled a tent in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains included Texas Gov. Rick Perry and GOP strategist Karl Rove.