Washington – Jeb Bush’s move toward a 2016 presidential bid makes the path to the White House tougher for potential Republican rivals, including 2012 nominee Mitt Romney.
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Multiple Romney donors said on Tuesday the former Massachusetts governor is less likely to run now that Bush has entered the fray, since they would compete for the same Republican donors and supporters.
Bush has already spoken with several major Republican donors from around the country about his plans, said one top Romney fundraiser. The former Florida governor announced on Tuesday he will actively explore a possible White House bid.
Bush could also corner the support of high-profile donors in his home state, making it harder for Florida Senator Marco Rubio to raise enough money to fund a viable campaign.
“As far as the finance world goes, Jeb will be the 800-lb gorilla in the race, and Florida will be Jeb’s,” said lobbyist Brian Ballard, a finance chairman for Romney in 2012.
Romney, who lost the 2012 race to President Barack Obama, has told friends recently that he was more open to a run. But he had planned to wait to see how the Republican field took shape before deciding.
“Mitt has said casually that if Jeb gets involved, that he perhaps would not get into the race,” said Mel Sembler, a Romney backer in 2012 and a longtime Bush family donor in Florida.
Bush’s decision also could change the calculations of other potential White House contenders, including New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin.
One donor, who spoke with Bush ahead of the announcement, said bids by Rubio and Ryan are now highly unlikely.
Several donors said Rubio, who served in the Florida legislature while Bush was governor, would be particularly vulnerable.
“Hell yeah, there’s only so much money in Florida,” a long-time Republican fundraiser said. “It would make it very difficult for Rubio.”
Rubio allies insisted his plans would not be affected by Bush’s.
“Marco’s decision on whether to run for president or re-election will be based on where he can best achieve his agenda to restore the American dream – not on who else might be running,” said Rubio spokesman Alex Conant.
Rubio’s plan may become clear after he meets with donors in Miami in January. But strategists were skeptical Rubio could win them over.
“Logic, common sense tells me he will decide not to run,” Sembler said.
Romney is so 2012 when are the Republicans going to learn that they need a fresh face
Romney is a has been, as he was defeated for the Republican Presidential nomination in 2008. As the Republican nominee in 2012, he lost, because of a very poorly managed campaign. Secondly, Marco Rubio stated that he is against normalizing any diplomatic relations with Cuba. On the other hand, Jeb Bush would be virtually assured the nomination since he is very popular with the Hispanic community (his wife is a Mexican-American, and he speaks fluent Spanish); secondly, his state of residence is Florida, which is very important, pertaining to electoral votes. I think that Jeb Bush, would trounce Ms. Hillary Clinton, big time, in the 2016 election!