Zuckerberg readying political fundraiser: reports

Fundraiser to support the re-election bid of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie

I / San Francisco January 25, 2013, 9:39 IST

Facebook billionaire Mark Zuckerberg is making a foray into politics next month by hosting a fundraiser for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, reports said.

The event to take place in Zuckerberg's home in the California city of Palo Alto mid-February is to support the re-election bid of the high-profile Republican, who is seen as a possible future contender for US president.

Christie's popularity has soared for his handling of the devastation inflicted on New Jersey by superstorm Sandy last year.

Zuckerberg's relationship with Christie dates back to 2010, when the 28-year-old native of New York state made a $100 million grant to a troubled New Jersey public school system.

Zuckerberg made the school announcement on the Oprah Winfrey show, accompanied by Christie and the mayor of Newark, who vowed to turn the city's failing school system in a national model of excellence.

News website Buzzfeed.Com reported that it confirmed plans for the invitation-only fundraiser with both camps.

The New York Daily News quoted a Christie strategist as saying that the governor is "gratified to have Mark and Priscilla's support."

Zuckerberg married Priscilla Chan last year after Facebook's initial public offering of stock.

Those attending the event are being asked for donations of $3,800 each to keep within the New Jersey cap for contributions, according to the Daily News.