http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/democrats-already-digging-dirt-on-2016-gop-lineup/article/2557441Democrats already digging dirt on Bush, Cruz, 2016 GOP lineup
By Paul Bedard | December 16, 2014 | 12:10 pm
More than a year before Republicans pick their 2016 presidential nominee, a liberal super PAC, American Bridge, is readying the release of a “scouting report” on 20 potential GOP candidates — and building a team of scandal researchers and video trackers to follow every candidate.
Presented like a sports media guide, the advance copy provided to the Examiner is a researcher’s dream: a combination of biographical tidbits and controversy.
Former Bill Clinton aide Paul Begala writes in the foreword that “sunshine truly is the best disinfectant.”
And many of the Republicans featured in American Bridge’s “2016 Scouting Report” read like they need a dose.
Take the entry on Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. In addition to its critical portrayal of the Tea Party favorite, the 194-page report takes a shot at his dad, Rafael, noting that he “has a history of inflammatory statements” such as suggesting that President Obama be sent “back to Kenya.”
Or the first apparent entry into the GOP primaries, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. The Scouting Report finds controversy in Bush's business dealings and his handing of the 2000 Florida presidential vote recount that in the end made his brother, George W. Bush, the 43rd president.
What's more; it plays up Bush's political problems with the conservative base of the party, something Bush is planning to deal with. It is an interesting angle from American Bridge that is sure to remind conservatives why they don't like Bush's. Another example is his support for gun purchase background checks and his shunning of National Rifle Association events.
American Bridge President Brad Woodhouse told us that the guide “serves as a reminder to those Republicans looking to get into the race that we are watching them and if they try to reinvent themselves to appeal to voters — well, let’s just say that dog won’t hunt.”
He added, "We are so proud of this book which serves as a playbook for political operatives to get started in defining this large and unwieldy field of Republican candidates."
