New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie dropped into Hudson, Wis., Monday in a show of support for embattled fellow Republican Gov. Scott Walker.

Walker, heading into his third gubernatorial campaign of the past four years, is deadlocked with his Democratic challenger, businesswoman Mary Burke, in the latest statewide polls.

"This is going to be a tough election," Walker told a group of workers at Empire Bucket in Hudson, after touring the factory floor with Christie. "I appreciate Chris coming in. I think this shows just how tough this election is going to be."

Christie, chair of the Republican Governor's Association, has been stumping for candidates around the country. But the Wisconsin race, he said, is the one the whole nation is watching. Democrats are hoping a defeat for Walker would send a clear warning to conservatives in other states.

"They want to show other politicians, 'Don't do what Scott Walker did. Because if you do, we're going to punish you the same way," Christie told supporters in the crowded Hudson Republican Party headquarters. "Well I think Wisconsin's got this moment now. This moment to send a message to the whole country that we want brave politicians. We want courageous politicians. We want ones who are going to speak their minds, stand up and do what they say they are going to do. Well, you have got that chance."

With five weeks to go before the election, Walker's asking for every vote he can get.

"You may not agree with every decision I've made," he said. "But I hope that you could see that our motives were pure."