Phil Ammann
Jeb Bush added two veteran political consultants to his campaign team this week, setting up an almost certain White House campaign in 2016.
The pair includes former ad men for Ted Cruz and Ron Paul.
Jon Downs and Danny Diaz, co-founders of FP1 Strategies, a Washington-based political consultancy, will take charge of advertising and messaging for Bush’s new Right to Rise Leadership PAC, reports Peter Hamby and Mark Preston of CNN.
“We’re excited Jon and Danny are joining our team,” Bush spokesperson Sally Bradshaw tells CNN. “Their expertise and experience will be critical to communicating Governor Bush’s conservative ideas for greater economic growth and opportunity.”
Both will have a role in a presidential campaign if Bush chooses to run, something that appears likely.
Bush also signed on another veteran, Iowa operative David Kochel, a former adviser to Mitt Romney. Kochel’s new role on the PAC would lead to becoming Bush campaign manager If (and when) he makes the decision.
Downs and Diaz each have deep campaign experience with George W. Bush, Hamby and Reston report.
Diaz was part of the Bush-Cheney 2004 re-elect effort, as well as a chief communications officer for John McCain‘s 2008 presidential run. As communications director for Republican National Committee, Diaz also served as a senior adviser to Mitt Romney in 2012.
Diaz also worked with New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey. Most recently, he was on Ken Cuccinelli‘s 2013 Virginia gubernatorial campaign team.
Downs has deep Bush roots as well, as a member of George W. Bush’s 2000 campaign and in his administration. Downs produced ads for the 2014 Alaska Senate campaign of Dan Sullivan, who served on the National Security Council under President Bush.
Downs, known for tough and unique spots, recently went beyond the GOP establishment with ads for Ted Cruz’s 2012 Texas Senate campaign and the 2010 congressional campaign of Tea Party darling Allen West.
In addition, Downs – to the surprise of many in the GOP – took on as a client libertarian Texas Rep. Ron Paul, father of Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul. Downs’ work for Paul raised eyebrows through a series of attack ads against Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry and Rick Santorum.
