Phil Ammann
Jeb Bush takes his not-quite-yet presidential campaign through Florida with the announcement of an epic Republican fundraiser in Tampa this month.
The $1,000-a-ticket event, supporting the Right to Rise Super PAC, will be Feb. 24 at the Grand Hyatt, 2900 Bayport Drive. A VIP reception begins at 5 p.m.; the general reception starts at 5:30 p.m.
The former Florida governor is steamrolling throughout the country, on a marathon 60 scheduled fundraisers during the next few months to amass money — and fend off the competition — as he inches toward a (nearly inevitable) 2016 White House run.
Name a prominent GOP supporter on either side of Tampa Bay and chances are they are on the Bush host committee.
Listed co-chairs — as of when the invitation was printed — include former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker and his current boss, Edwards Group CEO Bill Edwards. Former Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford will be there, as well as Betty and Ambassador Mel Sembler, considered two of the top GOP bundlers in the state. Special guests include state Sen. Jack Latvala of Clearwater and South Tampa state Rep. Dana Young.
Rubbing elbows with the Tampa Bay area Republican elite and a prospective presidential candidate does not come cheap. Co-chairing the reception is $25,000, and co-hosting is $5,000.
Even just attending the event will set you back a cool grand.
For those who can’t attend the event, the invite includes a pledge form for contributions, for individuals and corporations. Federal government contractors are asked to consult counsel prior to contributing to Right to Rise Super PAC.
