Facebook boss to host political fundraiser for Christie

Facebook on Thursday confirmed that co-founder and billionaire Mark Zuckerberg will make a foray into politics next month by hosting a fundraiser for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

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

"Mark and Priscilla are happy to host him at their home to support his re-election," Facebook spokeswoman Sarah Feinberg told AFP.

"They admire his leadership on education reform and other issues."

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 the troubled New Jersey public school system.

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

Those attending the Zuckerberg event will be asked for donations of $3,800 each to keep within the New Jersey cap for contributions, the report said.

Christie's popularity soared after his handling of the emergency response to the devastation inflicted on New Jersey by superstorm Sandy last year.

He has served as the governor of New Jersey, a traditionally Democratic state, since January 2010.