Perhaps to indicate that his presidential campaign would be digitally savvy, Jeb Bush announced on Facebook that he is “actively exploring” a 2016 presidential bid, putting an end to lots of speculation on the matter. He also said he is launching a political action committee to “facilitate conversations with citizens across America” — that is, to staff a campaign apparatus and to travel the country to build support.
Bush will tap into an extensive donor network that extends into every city and town in the country and that has won three presidential elections, but he needs the early start: Bush, who served as the governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007, hasn’t run for office since 2002.
As the Washington Post suggested on Monday, a Bush campaign is likely to be led by the governor’s longtime advisers, Sally Bradshaw, who is based in Florida, and Mike Murphy, who is based in California. Murphy also advised Mitt Romney on his 1998 gubernatorial bid and John McCain on his presidential bids, including in his primary campaign against George W. Bush.
While rumors that Romney is considering a third presidential bid have swirled in recent months, and establishment donors have urged him to jump in the race again, Bush’s announcement is likely to keep him out. It is also likely to freeze many establishment donors, who have been looking for a center-right candidate to rally around.
The dynamic to watch will be the dynamic between Bush and the well-funded insurgent candidates like Ted Cruz.