The Wall Street Journal approves this message, as “Jeb Bush set for record haul from loyal donor network built over decades“:
Former first lady Barbara Bush began adding campaign donors to the family’s Christmas card list five decades ago, building an index-card file of well-heeled contributors who went on to serve as ambassadors, cabinet members and State Department advisers in the two Bush administrations.
Jeb Bush, who opened the door to a presidential campaign five months ago, is now reaping a record-setting haul thanks to a donor network that stretches back to his father’s election to Congress in 1966.
“The Bush family gave us the chance to serve,” said donor David D. Aufhauser, who worked as general counsel for the Treasury Department under former President George W. Bush. “So we are loyal.” …
This ready-made fundraising operation offers Mr. Bush a financial and organizational advantage in what is expected to be a crowded and costly Republican Party primary…
The Bush circle includes the family of Home Depot founder Bernie Marcus, which has given more than $1 million to the campaigns and political committees operating during Bush presidencies and governorships, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics and the National Institute on Money in State Politics; the family of private-equity firm KKR co-founder Henry Kravis gave nearly $600,000; and the family of Richard Kinder, the co-founder of energy company Kinder Morgan, gave more than $800,000.
Brad Freeman, chairman of a California private-equity firm, said he retired from fundraising after raising millions of dollars for George W. Bush’s 2004 re-election. But when Jeb Bush signaled his interest, Mr. Freeman said, “I had no choice. I strapped on the guns one more time.”…
Mr. Bush, the former governor of Florida, recently told donors in Miami Beach that he raised more money in his first 100 days as a potential candidate than any previous Republican contender. (His brother set the previous record by collecting $37 million in the first few months of 1999.) The tally is widely expected to exceed $100 million, though details won’t be disclosed until Mr. Bush’s super PAC, Right to Rise, files a report by July 31 with the Federal Election Commission…
“When you hitch your wagon to the Bushes, you become part of an extended family,” said Dirk Van Dongen, a Washington lobbyist and former Pioneer and Ranger who helped organize two fundraisers for Jeb Bush. “They remember their friends and they are good to their friends.”…
Former President George W. Bush is credited with breaking ground on campaign fundraising by pushing supporters to bundle donations from their friends, family and business associates. Jeb Bush is continuing that strategy with more ambitious goals, even before an official campaign launch. Donors to his super PAC are divided among those who raise at least $500,000, $250,000, $100,000 and $50,000.
“Fundraising is to some extent a competitive sport that attracts type-A types who like to win,” Mr. Van Dongen said. “When you bring donors together, it’s like a company bringing together its top sales people—you get time with the boss, recognition in front of your peers.”…
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Tell me that doesn’t sound like a WASP version of the Sopranos… complete with its own Livia, ever egging the boys on to bigger crimes.
Clinton Cash is chump change. pic.twitter.com/HMqCjRKr6X
— Bob Schooley (@Rschooley) May 16, 2015