Jeb Bush Counts on Family to Raise Funds for Campaign
Jeb Bush is no longer shy about counting on his family's support when it comes to raising money for his 2016 presidential bid, the New York Times reported.
The former Florida governor's father, former President George H.W. Bush; his mother, former first lady Barbara Bush; his wife, Mexican-born philanthropist Columba Bush; and even his son, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush have all been part of his political action committee's fundraising efforts and tapped into the clan's "vast network of donors."
"In his early months as a candidate, (Bush) seemed unsure of how tightly to embrace the family mantle ... but (he) is now seeking both advantage and refuge in the trappings of a dynasty," the newspaper commented.
So far, Bush and his political action committee have raised some $114 million to support the campaign, CNN detailed. The super PAC, called "Right to Rise USA," is legally required to spend the $103 million it collected since January independently in support of the former governor's White House bid.
New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, the national finance chairman of Bush's campaign, revealed that the candidate was pleased with the fundraising effort. "Jeb is encouraged and grateful for the tremendous early support and enthusiasm his candidacy has generated since he launched his campaign," Johnson said.
And Charlie Spies, an election lawyer on Bush's team who in 2012 had helped then-GOP nominee Mitt Romney raise more than $150 million for his political action committee, noted that the amounts raised were impressive. "We are grateful for the overwhelming response from the thousands of donors who have been drawn to Jeb's optimistic message of conservative renewal and reform," Spies said.
Romney himself, meanwhile, was a guest at the Bush family compound in Kennebunkport, Maine, on Monday, the New York Times reported. The former Massachusetts governor dined with Bush, who had only half-heartedly endorsed the nominee during the last election cycle. While in Maine, Bush was also expected to "huddle with top donors and bundlers" and further add to his campaign's account, CNN predicted.
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