Chris Christie stumps for Sam Brownback, picks up barbecue in KCK

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie buzzed into Kansas City, Kan., on Wednesday morning to campaign for fellow Republican Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback.

The incumbent is locked in a tight fight for re-election against Democrat Paul Davis.

Christie came into town to attend a noontime Mission Hills fundraiser, but stopped on the way at Oklahoma Joe’s Bar-B-Que. His appearance created a stir in the gas station-turned-restaurant.

Christie is promising that the Republican Governors’ Association is going to back Brownback aggressively to keep the governor’s seat in the hands of the GOP.

“I am enthusiastic about his campaign,” Christie said after picking up a to-go order of Oklahoma Joe’s. “We are going to work hard to together. I’m confident he’s going to win.”

Brownback, in turn, blamed his lagging poll performance — Davis has been ahead in most recent surveys — on people not understanding what he’s accomplished for the state.

He said voters are not aware of gains he’s made in bolstering the state pension system, adding money for schools and creating jobs. The state has regularly missed revenue projections this year following broad tax cuts signed into law by Brownback.

Meanwhile, Brownback said, voters are not aware of his challenger’s liberal leanings.

“I don’t think people know the truth,” Brownback said. “I don’t think they know Paul Davis is an Obama Democrat.”

Brownback and Christie ordered $53 of food, including ribs, sausage, brisket, potato salad and dirty rice.

This story was originally published August 20, 2014 at 11:57 AM with the headline "Chris Christie stumps for Sam Brownback, picks up barbecue in KCK."