With Another Bush Eyeing White House, Family Money Machine Springs to Life

Jeb Bush set for record haul from loyal donor network built over decades

By Beth Reinhard And Christopher S. Stewart, WSJ
May 15, 2015 1:01 p.m.

Former first lady Barbara Bush began adding campaign donors to the family’s Christmas card list five decades ago, building an index-card file of well-heeled contributors who went on to serve as ambassadors, cabinet members and State Department advisers in the two Bush administrations.

Jeb Bush, who opened the door to a presidential campaign five months ago, is now reaping a record-setting haul thanks to a donor network that stretches back to his father’s election to Congress in 1966.

“The Bush family gave us the chance to serve,” said donor David D. Aufhauser, who worked as general counsel for the Treasury Department under former President George W. Bush. “So we are loyal.”

Mr. Aufhauser and his wife, who worked at the Commerce Department, were among the hosts of a fundraiser earlier this year for Mr. Bush’s Right to Rise super PAC.

(More here.)