![]() However, a prominent Romney supporter, Melaleuca billionaire Frank VanderSloot, did not attend the Bush event, nor did his political and governmental vice president, Damond Watkins. In addition, there was a charge made that some of Mitt Romney's supporters "shanghaied" the event. Despite the low-key nature of the Bush visit, it generated some controversy behind the scenes, in part because some longtime Bush loyalists were not invited. In June, according to Jones, 17 percent of likely Idaho Republican voters favored Bush, 11 percent liked Trump and 11 percent favored Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who had been in Idaho Falls just prior to Bush's visit. Paradoxically, those gaffes sparked a temporary spike in his popularity. The poll was conducted before Trump made his gaffes questioning whether Arizona Senator John McCain was really a hero, his insulting reference to Holy Communion and his admission that he'd never asked God for forgiveness. The fact that Bush has already raised $103 million through his Right to Rise Political Action Committee and another $11.5 million by the campaign itself speaks volumes about the broad-based support the former governor enjoys.Īt this early stage in the marathon, Idaho Republicans, according to a Dan Jones poll done in June for Zions Bank, are mirroring the nation. She said it was not a fundraiser, nor was it a pressure event, telling people to get on early or they'd miss the train leaving the station. ![]() His command of the issues is impressive, and his candor is that of a veteran politician who can deliver information without engaging in the bombast that has made businessman Donald Trump attractive to some.īaker said the event did not seek media attention but it would, as she is now doing, have responded to questions about it. She described the event as primarily a meet-greet-and-learn session, with the former Florida governor answering any and all questions. (Full disclosure: I am the founder of Gallatin but no longer have any ties to the firm.) Baker helped put the event together on a volunteer basis, but she is squarely in the camp of largely mainstream, moderate Republicans who support the Bush candidacy. The April 20 visit was confirmed by Emily Baker, a Nampa native and product of the Bush 43 White House who returned home and today is the Boise managing partner of Gallatin Public Affairs. Idahoans are also seeing why many lamented Corlett's successor, Dan Popkey, deciding early this year to go to work as the press secretary to First District Congressman Raul Labrador. ![]() The long-time alpha wolf of the Idaho press corps, the Idaho Statesman's John Corlett, must have rolled over in his grave. ![]()
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