JEB! Promises 2016 Decision in 'Few Months'

(Bloomberg Politics) - Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush said Wednesday that he’ll make a formal decision about seeking the Republican presidential nomination in “a few months' time,” suggesting he may not become an official candidate until summer. “I have burnt all my bridges behind me,” Bush said during a swing through the key primary state, following trips to Iowa and New Hampshire. “In a few months' time—I’m not sure exactly when—I’ll make up my mind.” Bush’s timeline would put his official announcement deeper into the 2015 calendar than some of his potential rivals, reflecting the differing realities in the race for cash to finance presidential operations. Bush’s team is pushing to raise $100 million in the first three months of the year, and the longer he delays a formal announcement, the longer he can play a direct role in collecting money for his Right to Rise [aka Rule] super-PAC. Since announcing in December that he’s seriously considering a presidential campaign, Bush has consistently appeared at events for his super-PAC, which can raise unlimited amounts of money. The longer Bush delays that announcement, the longer he’ll have access to top staff, too. Bush’s team is considering putting Mike Murphy, one of his top advisers, in charge of the super-PAC, according to a Republican source familiar with the planning. While putting Murphy, a veteran of Republican presidential campaigns, atop the committee would signal a crucial role for the super-PAC, delaying a decision until summer also would give Bush more time to directly strategize with Murphy over fundraising, messaging, and other planning. Read more.