Mitt Romney’s surprise decision to bail out of the 2016 presidential race immediately vaults former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush to the front, especially among establishment Republicans who are expected to flood his campaign with donations, according to analysts.
“This really helps Bush,” said GOP consultant Ron Bonjean. “He is right now the top establishment candidate.” But, he added, in becoming the establishment frontrunner, Bush also becomes the top target of conservatives.
Romney’s sudden move is being tied to his meeting in Utah last week with Bush. Sources said that Bush was clear that a head-to-head fight would be brutal on Romney, who was hit pretty hard by Team Obama in 2012.
And in his grab this week of a top Romney lieutenant in Iowa, Bush showed that he was going to play with brass knuckles on, said one source.
Now that he is the top establishment choice, associates said that Bush will move fast to raise a ton of money and begin defining his positions.
“He now becomes a much more clear target for conservatives to train their sights on,” said Bonjean. “He has to define himself. People need to know who he is.”
A poll expert said that Bush should immediately receive some of Romney’s support, making him the official frontrunner.
But one pointed out a recent Rasmussen Reports poll that found most Republicans are looking for a new name in the 2016 race.
Pollster John Zogby told Secrets, “I think Jeb is the beneficiary for now. His name recognition, moderate position and establishment image make him the magnet.”
However, he said Bush better look over his shoulder, because Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker were “gaining before this.”
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].
