Republican U.S. Senate Candidates Rob Simmons and Tom Foley are doing their best to ensure that Bush family holidays are as awkward and uncomfortable as possible, lining up politically-involved and wealthy Bushes in each of their respective camps.
Both candidates have strong ties to George W. Bush. Simmons was a Bush cheerleader while serving in Congress. Dick Cheney said he should be re-elected to help President Bush “carry out their priorities for the country.” Tom Foley was a high-dollar Bush Pioneer fundraiser. He was rewarded for his loyalty with a plumb ambassadorship to Ireland by the former President.
“Aside from the fact that there are enough Republican candidates in the field to form their own basketball team, two of them are actively trying to out-do one another in the race for monetary and political support that comes with having their name attached to the long-discredited Bush political brand, particularly in this state” said Connecticut Democratic Party Communications Director Colleen Flanagan. “Every time we think this primary can’t possibly get any more entertaining, we’re proven wrong by a cast of characters better suited for a reality television show than a U.S. Senate race.”
Earlier this year, Foley tapped his Bush Pioneer connections to raise money for his campaign. He held fundraiser hosted by Craig and Debbie Stapleton. Craig Stapleton is also former Bush Pioneer fundraiser who was rewarded with ambassadorships by George W. Bush. Debbie Stapleton is W.’s cousin.
Not to be outdone, Simmons is counting on his own Bush connections to help his anemic fundraising. According to The New York Post, the word about Rob Simmons’ swanky New York City fundraiser tomorrow, hosted by Henry and Nancy Kissinger, is being spread by 41’s brother (and 43’s uncle) Jon Bush. “Come meet Rob Simmons,” he wrote. “He’s a true American hero!” Jon Bush’s father, Prescott Bush, once held the seat for which Simmons is running.
In the battle for the Bushes, it may actually come down to Bush loyalists who are quickly taking sides, as well. Last week, Foley held a fundraiser at Washington’s Café Milano featuring some of the most prominent members of George W. Bush’s administration, including former Bush Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, former economic advisor Al Hubbard, and Cheney personal aide, Brian McCormick. Jack Oliver, the former Bush fundraiser credited with orchestrating the President’s fundraising domination in 2000 and 2004 was also a host member.
