Mitt Romney and Chris Christie had a famous falling out in the waning days of the 2012 presidential campaign. But these days, you’d never know it.
The failed GOP presidential candidate will team up with New Jersey Gov. Christie for what’s being billed as birthday fundraiser on behalf of the New Jersey Republican State Committee in East Brunswick, N.J. on Sept 10. Christie will turn 52 years old, four days before, on Sept. 6.
Partygoers will fork over $150 for a general reception ticket at the Hilton. Guests can also pay $5,000 a person for a private reception of up to 75 guests or $25,000 to attend a roundtable, with participation capped at 20 guests.
Also in attendance will be Republican National Committeeman William J. Palatucci, State Republican Chairman Samuel Raia, state Sen. Tom Kean, and state Assemblyman Jon Bramnick.
On the invitation, Romney is described as a “special guest.” The birthday fundraiser invitation asks that attendees bring an unwrapped children’s toy for Toys For Tots in lieu of a gift.
The tables have certainly turned for Romney. After the former Massachusetts governor lost in 2012, he was seen as an outcast of the Republican Party and stayed largely out of the public eye for months. Romney has since edged back into public life—campaigning for candidates for the midterm elections— and has begun to embrace the role of party elder.
Some on the right have even urged Romney to run for president again in 2016, but he has repeatedly said he isn’t interested.
Shortly before the presidential election in 2012, Christie was criticized by his party over his embrace – literally and figuratively—of President Obama after Hurricane Sandy. Christie, at the time, called Obama’s response to the disaster “outstanding.”
Romney and Christie have seemed to settle their differences, however. The duo last appeared together at a donor retreat organized by Romney in Park City, Utah in June.
Christie, a potential 2016 presidential candidate, is currently trying to turn the page on allegations that some of his staffers and allies closed lanes on the George Washington Bridge back in September, seemingly for political retribution. The Garden State governor has denied any prior knowledge of the plot.
Raia and Palatucci said in a statement to msnbc that they are “incredibly thrilled” Romney will be coming to New Jersey.
“Governor Romney will be the special guest at Governor Christie’s birthday party this year. Governor Romney has long been a supporter of New Jersey Republicans and we are very much looking forward to the honor of having him back to support the State Party and to celebrate this special occasion with all of our guests,” they added.
