Phil Ammann
Laura Bush, one of the most popular members of the Bush family, will be hitting the fundraising trail for her brother-in-law next month.
The former First Lady hosts a luncheon reception for the Jeb Bush campaign on Thursday, October 8. Bush’s event, which begins 12:30 p.m., is at the home of former Florida U.S. Senator Mel Martinez and his wife Kitty, 140 Fawsett Road in Winter Park. It is one of a pair of fundraisers featuring Laura Bush next month in Florida.
Bloomberg reporter Michael Bender writes that Laura Bush will also host an event in Palm Beach with Jeb Bush’s wife Columba the day before.
For entry to both a host committee reception and the luncheon, supporters need to raise $5,000; a ticket to the event itself is $1,000.
In the past, Laura Bush has been somewhat reluctant to appear on the fundraising circuit, but the family has been increasingly visible in raising money towards a third Bush presidency. Much of the boost in Bush fundraising comes as a result of the rising prominence of Donald Trump as GOP frontrunner.
“This has absolutely heightened people’s awareness concerning the choice: a proven, reform-minded conservative versus a liberal, Democrat socialite masquerading as a Republican,” Bush campaign manager Danny Diaz told Bloomberg in an email. “As a result, we are getting a great response from donors.”
Other Bush family events include a fundraiser hosted last week by former President George W. Bush in New York, as well as two events later this month in Texas and one in Arkansas in October.
W will also join his father, former President George H.W. Bush, at a donor retreat supporting Jeb Bush, scheduled for October 25 in Houston.
