By Robert Laurie ——Bio and Archives--December 9, 2014
American Politics, News | CFP Comments | Reader Friendly | Subscribe | Email Us
Dozens of the Republican Party’s leading presidential donors and fund-raisers have begun privately discussing how to clear the field for a single establishment candidate to carry the party’s banner in 2016, fearing that a prolonged primary would bolster Hillary Rodham Clinton, the likely Democratic candidate. The conversations, described in interviews with a variety of the Republican Party’s most sought-after donors, are centered on the three potential candidates who have the largest existing base of major contributors and overlapping ties to the top tier of those who are uncommitted: Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, former Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida and Mitt Romney.In other words, the GOP is fresh off a historic midterm win which can only be interpreted as a resounding defeat for virtually everything the Democrats have tried to accomplish - but the party is desperately trying to embrace three Presidential candidates who share at least some of those same goals. If you're wondering "Hey, shouldn't we at least hear what the other guys have to say? Maybe in a debate or something?" You're not alone. Lots of people are thinking the same thing, and it's kind of the point. The GOP doesn't want any dissent. Many within the party are eager to get this done as quickly as possible, precisely to avoid any kind of "unpleasantries."
With the midterms over, Mr. Christie and Mr. Bush have begun pushing top bundlers to commit to them in advance should they announce a White House bid, according to several donors, putting intense pressure on the corps of contributors who helped Mr. Romney and the Republican Party raise a billion dollars for the 2012 campaign. Those requests have intensified the discussion in some circles about whether to coalesce behind a candidate early or, alternatively, delay until after the early Republican debates next summer.To be fair, there is some logic behind the desire to avoid a long, bloody, primary season. No one wants to slog through an interminable 15 candidate battle royale which leaves the eventual nominee bruised, bloodied, and too weak to fight. However, it's ridiculous to assume that the only way to dodge that scenario is to anoint a sure-to-fail moderate. ...But don't tell that to the money guys.
“When you get that call” to commit to Mr. Bush or Mr. Christie, said one prominent Republican fund-raiser, “the answer to that question is yes.” The fund-raiser, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to preserve his relationships with all three men, added: “Anything else and you’re on the B team. You’re on the second list. People that like to do this want to be on the A team.”If the choice is between a long battle over ideals and a quick nomination for a squish, please give us the battle - especially when the "A-team" can't win. Just look what happened to Romney in 2012 and McCain in 2008. In both elections, the party nominated a candidate that failed to energize the base, voters stayed home, and the Republicans suffered resounding defeats. If the GOP wants to see that outcome a third time, this is the way to make it happen. ...Oh, and by the way, keep your eye on Ted Cruz. He told us something very similar two weeks ago. It's become something of a pattern for him as, lately, his M.O. seems to be broadcasting the inner machinations of the GOP brass. Ideals before party? No wonder they're out to get him.
Support Canada Free Press
View Comments
Robert Laurie’s column is distributed by HermanCain.com, which can be found at HermanCain.com
Be sure to “like” Robert Laurie over on Facebook and follow him on Twitter. You’ll be glad you did.