About a week before former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) is set to jump into the 2016 presidential race, The Wall Street Journal reported that Republican strategist Danny Diaz would serve as the former governor’s campaign manager.
That report on Monday conflicts with earlier reporting that David Kochel, another GOP operative with deep ties to Iowa, would serve as campaign manager.
Diaz is a veteran of Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign, and also stints with Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R), New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, and former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R). Diaz also was a founding partner of the Republican public affairs and consulting firm FP1 strategies.
The news conflicts with a previous New York Times report in January which said Kochel would serve as the campaign manager. Before the Times report, Sara Fagen, the former White House political director under George W. Bush, had also been mentioned as a top prospect for campaign manager.
Tim Miller, Bush’s press secretary for his political operation, indicated that Kochel would likely still serve in a top role on Bush’s campaign, albeit not as campaign manager.
How could someone be luckier than having @sallybradshaw, @ddkochel, AND @DannyLopezDiaz. Pumped for big day 6/15!
— Tim Miller (@Timodc) June 8, 2015
Kochel will serve as senior strategist and Brashaw will serve as senior adviser, according to a Bush aide.
Below is a statement from Bradshaw:
Jeb Bush is a leader who has a history of attracting top talent and pushing them beyond what they thought possible. His campaign reflects that ethos, and he’s assembled a team that is unmatched today, and the team is committed to telling the Jeb Bush story of opportunity and promise for all Americans.
David can best position us for success by playing a key leadership role focusing on how Jeb wins primaries, caucuses, and ultimately the general election and Danny’s skill at rapidly moving content and campaign organization makes him perfectly suited for running the day-to-day operations.
