Jeb Bush throws support behind Ron DeSantis challenge to Trump

Brady Knox

February 27, 06:20 PM February 27, 06:20 PM

Former Gov. Jeb Bush (R-FL) heaped praise on Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), backing him as a model candidate for the White House.

In a WHD News special, Bush said DeSantis should run for higher office, arguing that it was time for a "generational change" in politics.

RON DESANTIS SAYS HE CAN REPEAT 19-POINT WIN NATIONALLY

“Who better to do it than someone who’s been outside of Washington, who’s governed effectively, who I think has shown that Florida can be a model for the future of our country,” Bush said when asked if DeSantis should run for president.

“He’s been a really effective governor. He’s young. I think we’re on the verge of a generational change in our politics — kind of hope so. I think it’s time for a more forward-leaning, future-oriented conversation, our politics, as well,” he added.

Bush compared DeSantis favorably to his father, former President George H.W. Bush, relating how they had both played baseball. He also gave him an "A" ranking for how he performed during crises.

DeSantis received support from Bush, who has a well-known dislike of former President Donald Trump, who quashed Bush's presidential aspirations in 2016 and heavily disparaged his brother, former President George W. Bush. Trump announced his candidacy in November.

DeSantis hasn't announced his candidacy but is expected to do so over the summer.

Tim Scott war chest gives possible advantage as he considers presidential run

Cami Mondeaux

February 21, 09:57 AM February 21, 09:57 AM

As Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) eyes a White House bid in 2024, the South Carolina senator benefits from a massive campaign war chest and fundraising strength that could give him a boost over other presidential contenders.

Although Scott has not declared whether he intends to run for president, speculation of a possible White House bid began to rise in early February after the senator hired former Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and longtime Republican operative Rob Collins to lead his super PAC.

2024 GOP CONTENDERS RAMP UP FUNDRAISING EFFORTS AS PRIMARY FIELD BEGINS TO TAKE SHAPE

Scott launched his Opportunity Matters Fund in September in an effort to boost several GOP candidates during the midterm elections. Since then, he has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on purchasing ads as he mulls a presidential bid.

Meanwhile, Scott has positioned himself as a top fundraiser during the 2022 midterm cycle, raising more than $43 million for his reelection campaign, according to records from the Federal Election Commission. That fundraising haul leaves Scott with nearly $22 million on hand as of Dec. 31. The senator can transfer that money to a presidential committee should he choose to run.

That puts Scott above former President Donald Trump, who reported having $3 million on hand at the end of last year, according to campaign records.

Trump has struggled with a slow fundraising start, but the former president is looking to boost his standing by hosting a dinner for some of his top donors at his Mar-a-Lago home on Thursday, marking his first fundraiser of the 2024 cycle.

Scott is also planning to make the rounds this week. He is expected to attend a donor conference in Austin, Texas, on Friday hosted by former George W. Bush adviser Karl Rove. That conference will give top contenders, such as Scott, former Vice President Mike Pence, and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, a chance to secure top donors as they vie for the White House.