Jeb Bush will reportedly outsource much of his 2016 campaign to his super PAC

(Image credit: (Mark Wilson/Getty Images))

published 21 April 2015

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) will let his super PAC, Right to Rise, do a lot of the heavy lifting (and fundraising) in his undeclared presidential campaign, The Associated Press reports, citing "two Republicans and several Bush donors familiar with the plan." Right to Rise might do many of the things presidential campaigns typically do, like run TV ads and direct-mail campaigns, get-out-the-vote drives, and gather voter data.

"Nothing like this has been done before," campaign spending limit opponent David Keating, president of the Center for Competitive Politics, tells AP. "It will take a high level of discipline to do it." The advantages for Bush are obvious: Money. Super PACs can raise unlimited amounts from people, groups, and corporations, while campaigns must limit donors to $2,700 in the primary and another $2,700 in the general election.

The downside? Once Bush launches his 2016 bid — but not before — he and his campaign can't coordinate with the super PAC. At least not legally. Bush spokeswoman Kristy Campbell downplayed the strategy, telling AP that "any speculation on how a potential campaign would be structured, if he were to move forward, is premature at this time." Read more about Bush's evolving plan, and how it fits with campaign finance laws, at AP.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.

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