WASHINGTON – Some the president’s top fund-raisers are signing up to help Sen. John McCain, who fought a bitter primary fight against Bush in 2000.
Even some of Bush’s “pioneers,” who raised $100,000 or more for his campaign, are getting on board McCain’s “Straight Talk Express,” according to today’s Newsweek magazine.
McCain (R-Ariz.) has refused to say if he is running for president in 2008, claiming he’ll decide after this year’s elections.
Among those moving to McCain’s camp is former Texas Rep. Tom Loeffler, a Bush family loyalist and a big fund-raiser. Another is former Rep. Kent Hance.
Mark McKinnon, a Bush adviser, has told the president he wants to work with McCain as long as Bush allies like brother Jeb and Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice stay out of the race.
Bush’s Michigan finance chairman in 2000 has also joined McCain.
White House Communications Director Dan Bartlett told The Post it was natural for aides and supporters to join 2008 campaigns, since Bush cannot run again.
McCain and former Mayor Rudy Giuliani top early surveys for the GOP nomination. And, equally important for some GOP voters, polls show McCain trouncing Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton in a head-to-head race.