By Joelle Farrell
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

Gov. Christie, whose cost-cutting mantra has made him a rock-star in some Republican circles, will cross the state line to help fellow Republican Patrick Meehan in his bid for Congress in Pennsylvania's Seventh District. The New Jersey governor will headline a fund-raiser for Meehan at the Springfield Country Club at 6 p.m. Sept. 20.

Christie is in demand for campaign appearances nationwide. This is the second time he's come to help Meehan, who is running to replace U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak. Meehan, a former Delaware County District Attorney and U.S. Attorney, faces Democratic State Rep. Bryan Lentz.

The district, which includes nearly all of Delaware County and pieces of Montgomery and Chester counties, is considered one of the most competitive House races this year.

Christie attended a fundraiser for Meehan in December, said Meehan spokeswoman Virginia Davis. Although Christie's office has not yet released his fall campaign schedule, it was learned today that Christie will also make a trip to Iowa in October to campaign with Iowa gubernatorial candidate Terry Branstad.