New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has headlined a Bellevue, Wash., rally for gubernatorial candidate Rob McKenna and other Republican candidates. Christie told a crowd of about 200 people that state Attorney General McKenna "has earned your trust. He has earned your respect."

McKenna and Democratic former U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee both advanced in Tuesday's primary election, setting up what is expected to be one of the most competitive governor's races in the country. Inslee took about 47 percent of the vote and McKenna finished second with 43 percent.

Still, Christie told Thursday's rally that he's "got a feeling" McKenna will win in November.

After the rally, The Seattle Times said Christie and McKenna were scheduled to attend a pair of fundraisers, also in Bellevue.

Christie is on a campaign swing that includes stops in California and Montana.

He has been mentioned as a possible running mate for Mitt Romney.