Bush gives to early state ’16 Republicans

Jeb Bush’s leadership PAC Right to Rise has begun spreading money around to Republicans up for reelection in 2016 and state parties in early-voting primary and caucus states.

The political action committee, which just launched in January, is staffed by Bush allies that will likely move to his campaign team once the former Florida governor announces his likely bid for the White House. The group released its first round of contributions on Friday totaling more than $100,000.

{mosads}“I’m proud to support great conservative candidates who are committed to renewing America’s promise by expanding opportunity and igniting upward mobility in our country,” Bush said in a statement. “In the coming months, our PAC will continue to support conservative candidates and conservative policies that will ensure all Americans have the right to rise.”

Bush is presently the PAC’s honorary chairman, although he’ll have to disassociate from the PAC if he runs for president.

The money went to five Republican senators up for reelection in 2016: Kelly Ayotte (N.H.), Richard Burr (N.C.), Chuck Grassley (Iowa), Rob Portman (Ohio) and Tim Scott (S.C.).

Ayotte could face a tough election challenge from Gov. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), and Portman might be facing off against former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland in 2016, although neither Democrat has announced yet.

The PAC also donated to nine House members, some of whom Democrats believe will be vulnerable in 2016.

The PAC gave money to Rep. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.), who won the closest race of the 2014 midterm election cycle after a protracted recount.

McSally was on a list of freshman lawmakers the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has said it will target in 2016, along with Reps. Barbara Comstock (Va.), Frank Guinta (R-N.H.), David Young (Iowa) and Lee Zeldin (N.Y.), all of whom received money from Right to Rise in this first round of contributions.

In addition, Right to Rise gave to the Republican Parties in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, three early-voting states that will play pivotal roles in the Republican primaries, as well as the Republican Party in Bush’s home state of Florida.

Political watchers are interested to see how Bush’s fundraising efforts are coming along. The PAC will put out its first report in July.

Bloomberg has reported that the Bush team is seeking to raise $100 million in the first three months of 2015, although Bush officials have pushed back on that claim.