Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s advisers are asking political donors not to commit to other potential 2016 candidates until he decides whether to take a run at the GOP nomination for president, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The Journal casts the effort by Mr. Bush’s “inner circle” as a way to keep speculation about his possible run at bay, while reserving the right to tap lines of funding.
The message is, “Before you do anything, let us know,” according to the newspaper.
One Bush supporter who worked with the former governor’s brother, President George W. Bush, told the Journal chances are better than 50-50 that he runs.
The 61-year-old Bush has been a moderate voice on immigration reform and Common Core standards, drawing opposition from conservatives, the report notes.
However, analysts see him as the type of candidate the GOP needs to win a general election.
Should he decide to run, he could face Democratic frontrunner Hillary Rodham Clinton.
The race between two well-known political families would present financial and political advantages for each candidate. But it also comes with a downside, as some Americans may have tired of the Clintons and Bushes.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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