Wednesday night’s debate opened with a question that — while simple — gave the GOP field some trouble: “What’s your biggest weakness?” Each of the candidates ducked and dodged the question to the best of their respective abilities — some better than others. (To paraphrase Donald Trump, some of them “just don’t have it”: Blah, blah, blah, etc.)

But the reason the candidates struggled is no more complex than the question itself: Rubio, Bush, Cruz, and the rest of the crew couldn’t exactly go up there and tell the truth — they couldn’t admit that they’re boxed in by an inflexible fealty to Charles and David Koch and their selfish agenda. It’s not exactly voter-friendly to admit that, in everything you do, in any legislation you push, the Kochs’ agenda — and their bottom line — will always supersede the interests of the American public.

Three candidates in particular, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, and Jeb Bush, are exceptional in their Koch ties. Rubio, like Bush and Cruz, is a vocal opponent of the Ex-Im Bank. In their antagonism, the three align themselves with a major Koch push to let the bank’s charter expire and subsequent Koch-led effort to block its renewal. Rubio also opposes a minimum wage increase — despite acknowledging that even an increase to an $11-an-hour wage would be insufficient. And like Jeb Bush and Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio’s tax plan would give disproportionately huge tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans, leaving middle class Americans to foot the bill. And the list goes on…

Beyond all of that, each of these candidates, and much of the rest of the GOP field, has deep Koch ties, from Koch alumni campaign staff, to years of attendance at Koch conferences and cozying up with Koch front groups like the LIBRE Initiative.

It’s a sensitive topic that the GOP field would prefer to avoid, but there’s no denying it: Each of their greatest weaknesses is that they’ll do anything to win Koch favor — and once they’ve won it, that they’ll do anything to prove they were a worthwhile investment. That means pushing the Koch policy agenda — advancing the Kochs’ selfish interests over those of America’s working families.
Background:

The Kochs And Marco Rubio

The Koch Network’s Early And Longstanding Support For Marco Rubio

Sen. Marco Rubio Was The Keynote Speaker Of AFP Foundation’s 2013 “Defending The American Dream Summit” In Orlando. According to the Orlando Sentinel, “Republican U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida, Ted Cruz of Texas and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin are among headline speakers announced for the ‘Defending the American Dream Summit’ conference the conservative action group Americans for Prosperity Foundation plans for Orlando in late August.” [Orlando Sentinel, 7/29/14]

AFP Gave Rubio A “100 Percent Score” On Its Scorecard In 2013. According to the Tampa Bay Times Blog, The Buzz, “Last week, two groups issued vote scorecards that put Rubio squarely in the conservative camp. Americans for Prosperity gave the Florida Republican a 100 percent score on issues it rated.” [Tampa Bay Times’ Buzz, 2/25/13]

AFP-FL State Director Slade O’Brien: “We Are Pleased To Announce Senator Rubio Is The Only US Senator To Receive A Lifetime Rating Of A+.” According to the Tampa Bay Times Blog, The Buzz, “‘The AFP Scorecard is the best way for our activists to keep a close eye on Washington, and confront them when they don’t vote responsibly,’ said AFP-FL State Director Slade O’Brien. ‘We are pleased to announce Senator Rubio is the only US Senator to receive a lifetime rating of A+.’” [Tampa Bay Times’ Buzz, 2/25/13]

AFP Florida Director Adam Guillette Called Then State House Speaker Marco Rubio “A Strong Ally” As Rubio Considered A Revenue And Spending Cap.According to the St Petersburg Times Blogs, “House Speaker Marco Rubio is pursuing legislation similar to therevenue and spending cap considered this afternoon by the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission. ‘Speaker Rubio is a strong ally,’ said Adam Guillette, Florida director of Americans For Prosperity, a group that worked with TBRC Commissioner Mike Hogan. Guillette said he had planned to meet again with Rubio tomorrow but is putting it off until later inthe week or next week.” [St. Petersburg Times Blogs, 2/11/08]

More Than 300 Protesters Joined Rubio In A “Public Spectacle… Choreographed By A Handful Of Anti-Tax Groups” To “Demand Additional Tax And Spending Cuts.” According to the St. Petersburg Times, “More than 300 protesters, most making a 10-hour bus ride from South Florida, staged a rally with House Speaker MarcoRubio, and even moved into the House chamber as his guests, to demand additional tax and spending cuts. ‘It’s not over, and we’re going to win,’ the West Miami Republican pledged to wild applause. About two dozen protesters eventually flooded Crist’s first-floor office demanding answers. Crist was working atthe Governor’s Mansion, so Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp fielded their questions. They left dissatisfied. ‘If we need to come next time and sleep out here in our camping gear, we will do it,’ said Angelo Garcia Jr., 45, of Miami. But the public spectacle – choreographed by a handful of anti-tax groups – was only one level of the property tax battle being waged Tuesday in Tallahassee.” [St. Petersburg Times, 3/26/08]

St. Petersburg Times: Anti-Tax Protestors Were “Doting” Towards Rubio AndAsked Him If He Would Run For Miami-Dade Mayor. According to the St. Petersburg Times, “Rubio used the lobbyists’ effort as a rallying cry Tuesday, urging his doting audience – at one point he was asked if he was going to run for Miami-Dade mayor – to unite behind the plan but to also fight for another proposal, which would cap property taxes at 1.35 percent of taxable value. More than 150,000 citizen petitions have been collected with the aim of putting it on the November 2010 ballot.” [St. Petersburg Times, 3/26/08]

Rubio Supported The Taxpayer Protection Amendment. According to the St. Petersburg Times, “Amid Tuesday’s commotion, members of the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission were being intensely lobbied on a proposal to be discussed today that would amount to the strictest cap on taxes ever in Florida. The 25-member panel has the power to place items on the November ballot. The plan, similar to ‘taxpayer bill of rights’ legislation enacted in other states, would limit revenue collection at all levels of government to no more than population growth plus inflation plus 1 percent. New fees or taxes would need voter approval, while exceeding the cap would require two-thirds approval by a city council or other governing body. ‘This is the most substantial tax reform legislation in the history of theSunshine State,’ said Adam Guillette, Florida director for the tax group Americans for Prosperity, which has been involved in crafting the proposal. ‘It ensures fiscal responsibility from both state and local government,’ Guillette said. ‘And most importantly, it puts an end to boom-and-bust budgeting.’ [Marco] Rubio, who appointed some of the members to thecommission, was actively pursuing support for the plan Tuesday.” [St. Petersburg Times, 3/26/08]

The Koch-Controlled Libre Initiative and Marco Rubo

The Koch-Controlled LIBRE Initiative’s National Strategic Director Jose Mallea Is Rubio’s Former Campaign Manager. According to The Nation, “Rubio was introduced by César Grajales, the South Florida field director for the LIBRE initiative, a Koch-funded campaign to attract Latino voters to the GOP. Rubio’s former campaign manager, Jose Mallea, is thegroup’s national strategic director.” [The Nation, 9/4/14]

James Madison Institute And Marco Rubio

Rubio Has Longstanding, Deep Ties to Koch-Affiliated James Madison Institute

Political Blogger Peter Schorsch: “Men Such As Jeb Bush And Marco Rubio Owe Some Part Of Their Careers To The Path “Blazed” By James Madison Institute Founder Dr. J. Stanley] Marshall. According to an opinion by political blogger Peter Schorsch in the Sun-Sentinel, “He [James Madison Institute Founder Dr. J. Stanley Marshall] became the Barry Goldwater and the William Buckley of Florida’s conservative movement. He created a home for conservative political thought in a state that had come to be dominated by men such as Reuben Askew and Lawton Chiles. Men such as Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio owe some part of their careers to the path Marshall blazed. Marshall ran for office himself and lost badly but proudly, challenging the education establishment he has feuded with his entire career. But again, it’s not about what Marshall did.” [Peter Schorsch – Sun Sentinel, 3/18/13]

JMI Held A Luncheon With Then-House Speaker Designate Marco Rubio In March 2006. According to the Spring 2006 James Madison Institute Newsletter, “JMI members andguests gathered at the Pensacola Cultural Center on March 3 to hear from House Speaker Designate Marco hear from House Speaker Designate MarcoRubio as he discussed theupcoming legislative session and his views on the critical issues facing Florida.” [James Madison Institute Newsletter via archive.org, April 2006]

Sen. Marco Rubio Spoke At The James Madison Institute’s Co-Sponsored CPAC Regional Event In 2011. According to a post on The James Madison Institute’s website, “TheJames Madison Institute will co-sponsor the first ever Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) regional event: CPAC Florida 2011 on September 23, 2011 in Orlando. For more information, visit the CPAC Florida website–nine Presidential candidates are confirmed to speak and other confirmed guest speakers include Grover Norquist, Marco Rubio, Rick Scott, Allen West, and JMI’s own Bob McClure!” [Post via JamesMadison.org, 2011]

In 2013, Rubio Delivered A Televised Greeting To The James Madison Institute’s 25th Anniversary Gala. According to the Tampa Bay Times’ The Buzz blog, “If Ayn Rand were alive and living in Florida, she would have paid $125 for a ticket and attended The James Madison Institute’s 25th anniversary gala Wednesday night. Most of the state’s conservative heavyweights were there: Gov. Rick Scott, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, House Speaker Will Weatherford. U.S. Sen.Marco Rubio delivered a televised greeting to the institute.” [Buzz via TampaBay.com, 3/14/13]

Rubio Said In Greeting “We Encourage (JMI) To Continue To Be A Source Of Ideas And Inspiration, Not Just In Florida, But Hopefully That Will Spread AcrossThe Country.” According to the Tampa Bay Times’ The Buzz blog, “Marco Rubio: ‘Most ofthe innovation in this country is happening at the state level. I know that first hand from having served there… Whether it’s curriculum reform or school accountability, regulatoryand tax reform. So we encourage (JMI) to continue to be a source of ideas and inspiration, not just in Florida, but hopefully that will spread across the country.’” [Buzz via TampaBay.com, 3/14/13]

Rubio Visited The James Madison Institute’s Headquarters In 2013. According to theJames Madison Institute’s flickr album titled, “Sen. Marco Rubio visits JMI Headquarters,” theSenator visited the James Madison Institute’s headquarters in Tallahassee on August 12, 2013. [James Madison Institute Album via Flickr.com, 8/12/13]

At The James Madison Institute’s Headquarters, Rubio Spoke About The Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act. According to an opinion by J. Robert McClure, thepresident and CEO of The James Madison Institute, in Newsmax, “As U.S. Sen.Marco Rubio pointed out during a recent talk at The James Madison Institute’s Tallahassee headquarters, because of this the PPACA [Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act] will also cause serious ripple effects throughout the U.S. economy. For one thing, it’ll mean that consumers will have less money to spend on other things – dining out, movies, dry cleaning, transportation, housing, etc. These ripple effects will be among the PPACA’s many unintended consequences.” [J. Robert McClure – Newsmax, 8/29/13]

Rubio On The Passing Of The Founder Of The James Madison Institute: “Florida Is A Better Place Because Of Dr. Marshall’s Contributions, And So Are Those Of Us Who Knew Him.” According to a press release from Senator Marco Rubio “U.S. SenatorMarco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Dr. Stanley Marshall, former Florida State University President and founder of The James Madison Institute: ‘Dr. Marshall was a man of many talents, and we mourn the passing of this great Floridian. He succeeded in both business and academia, and still found time to enjoy the quiet pastures of his cattle ranch. Florida is a better place because of Dr. Marshall’s contributions,and so are those of us who knew him.” [Marco Rubio Press Release, 6/9/14]

Rubio: “Dr. Marshall’s Leadership Of Florida State University And Founding Of TheJames Madison Institute Are Crowning Achievements.” According to a press release from Senator Marco Rubio “Many will rightly celebrate Dr. Marshall as a visionary who advanced bold ideas in the public square. After all, Dr. Marshall’s leadership of Florida State Universityand founding of The James Madison Institute are crowning achievements in this regard. But we know his marriage to Shirley and their children and grandchildren will forever be his most prized legacy. Our prayers are with them as they mourn his passing, and we join the rest of a thankful state in honoring his extraordinary life.” [Marco Rubio Press Release, 6/9/14]

Gov. Jeb Bush Hosted A “National Excellence In Action Summit At Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort With His Foundation For Excellence In Education, And The James Madison Institute” In June 2008. According to the Orlando Sentinel, “Everyone seems to be talking about change these days. This week, that includes a group of education reformers, with former Gov. Jeb Bush leading the way. Bush is launching a national initiative to make education reform a top priority for the country’s next president. He’s hosting a national Excellence in Action summit at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort with his Foundation for Excellence in Education, and The James Madison Institute, a conservative research group.” [Orlando Sentinel, 6/20/08]

Then-Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio On The June 2008 National Excellence In Action Summit: “I Appreciate The Innovations That Have Come Out Of This Conference.” According to the Orlando Sentinel, then-Florida House SpeakerMarco Rubio stated the following on education reform and the National Excellence In Action Summit, “I think there needs to be a societal change. I appreciate the innovations that have come out of this conference.” [Orlando Sentinel, 6/20/08]

James Madison Institute Chairman and Former Board Member of Citizens for a Sound Economy Said He Was Recruited” To “Boost House Speaker Marco Rubio’s Crusade For Swapping Property Tax Bills With Higher Sales Taxes.”

JMI Chairman Charlie Hilton Claimed He Was “Recruited” To “Boost House SpeakerMarco Rubio’s Crusade For Swapping Property Tax Bills With Higher Sales Taxes.” According to The News-Press, “Republican political campaign manager Brett Doster, under a newly minted electioneering organization organized those political-action groups andmore like them, Floridians for Property Tax Reform. The source of money for that ‘grass-roots’ activity won’t be public record until financial reports are filed in mid-July. Anecdotally, some ofthe support has come from groups such as the Latin Builders Association. One of Doster’s co-chairs is Panhandle entrepreneur Charlie Hilton, founder of the conservative James Madison Institute, a longtime advocate of capping government growth. He said Doster recruited him to boost House Speaker Marco Rubio’s crusade for swapping property tax bills with higher sales taxes instead.” [News-Press, 5/29/07]

Hilton Said He Met With Rubio “Several Times” To Talk About The Tax Reform. According to The News-Press, “‘That was something inspired by the Speaker andsome leaders in the House who wanted some support,’ said [JMI Chairman Charlie] Hilton, who said he has met several times with Rubio to talk about the tax reform.” [News-Press, 5/29/07]

JMI Sent “Their Own Lobbyists To Tallahassee” And “Turned Out Members To Fill Chairs At Property Tax Hearings Across The State.” According to The News-Press, “‘The James Madison Institute, FreedomWorks, and the Republican Liberty Caucus all have sent their own lobbyists to Tallahassee as well as turned out members to fill chairs at property tax hearings across the state.” [News-Press, 5/29/07]

Charles Hilton Was Also A Board Member of Citizens for a Sound Economy. [Citizens for a Sound Economy, 11/15/03]

Gov. Jeb Bush Met With JMI’s Founder About Property Rights Reform Around The Time State Rep. Marco Rubio’s House Select Committee Considered Taking Up Property Rights Legislation. According to The News-Press, “A House committee run by Rep.Marco Rubio is considering amending Florida’s definitions of words such as ‘blighted’ and‘slum’ to make it tougher to condemn private property. Such a move would go a long way to appease private property rights activists unsettled by this summer’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that expanded government’s ability to condemn property for redevelopment. But it concerns planners who say the power is an important tool to address specific needs. The high court ruledthe city of New London, Conn., could lawfully seize private property from residents who refused to sell and turn it over to private developers. Rubio’s Select Committee to Protect Private Property Rights meets Wednesday. Among its members are Reps. Jeff Kottkamp, R-Cape Coral; and Ralph Poppell, R-Vero Beach. Gov. Jeb Bush said Monday he will allow Rubio to take the lead. ‘I trust his judgment on this,’ Bush said. ‘He’s a really bright lawyer that I think will make some good recommendations.’ Bush met Monday with Stan Marshall, founder of theJames Madison Institute. The Tallahassee-based conservative think tank has made property rights a major focus since the June court ruling, and will gather its own experts later in the week to come up with recommendations for ‘safeguarding private property rights in Florida.’” [News-Press, 9/13/05]

Bush Allowed Rubio To “Take The Lead” On The Property Rights Reform Initiative And Said He “Trusted His Judgment.” According to The News-Press, “Rubio’s Select Committee to Protect Private Property Rights meets Wednesday. Among its members are Reps. Jeff Kottkamp, R-Cape Coral; and Ralph Poppell, R-Vero Beach. Gov. Jeb Bush said Monday he will allow Rubio to take the lead. ‘I trust his judgment on this,’ Bush said. ‘He’s a really bright lawyer that I think will make some good recommendations.’” [News-Press, 9/13/05]

Koch Primary

Hightower: Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, And Scott Walker “Are Shamelessly Scurrying To The Money Throne To Kiss The Koch Ring, Do A Song & Dance, GrovelAnd Pledge Fealty” To The Koch Agenda. According to an opinion by columnist Jim Hightower in the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, “The black-robed corporatists’ freakish Citizens United ruling has already let the KBParty amass their unprecedented electioneering fund, setting them up as the Godfathers of tea party Republicanism. Supposedly proud candidates for governor, Congress and even such presidential wannabes as Ted Cruz, Rand Paul,Marco Rubio and Scott Walker are shamelessly scurrying to the money throne to kiss the Koch ring, do a song & dance, grovel and pledge fealty to the brotherhood’s extremist plutocratic agenda.” [Jim Hightower – Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, 2/27/15]

The Kochs “Identified Five Candidates Who Have The Right Message And ‘A Good Chance Of Getting Elected’”: Scott Walker, Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, AndMarco Rubio. According to USA Today, “[Charles] Koch, his brother David and their team have identified five candidates who have the right message and ‘a good chance of getting elected,’ he told USA TODAY in an exclusive interview at Koch Industries’ headquarters. They are Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, former Florida governor Jeb Bush and Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Marco Rubio of Florida.” [USA Today, 4/21/15]

CNN: “Marco Rubio Courted New Hampshire Voters Allied With Two Powerful Organizations At The Center Of The Koch Brothers’ Sprawling Political Network During Campaign Events On Thursday.” According to CNN, “Marco Rubio courted New Hampshire voters allied with two powerful organizations at the center of the Koch Brothers’ sprawling political network during campaign events on Thursday.” [CNN, 6/25/15]

Rubio Defended His Events, Saying “People Buy Into My Agenda, I Don’t Buy Into Theirs… My Stands Are Not Influenced By My Contributors, I Hope My Stands Influences My Contributors.” According to CNN, “‘People buy into my agenda, I don’t buy into theirs,’ [Marco] Rubio told reporters in Exeter after appearing at the Concerned Veterans for America event. ‘My stands are not influenced by my contributors, I hope my stands influences my contributors.’” [CNN, 6/25/15]

CNN: “Outside Of The Koch Events, Voters Seemed To Have A Different View Of TheGroups’ Sway.” According to CNN, “But outside of the Koch events, voters seemed to have a different view of the groups’ sway. At a town hall in Salem, a voter asked what he [Marco Rubio] would do to stop corrupting influence of money in politics.” [CNN, 6/25/15]

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich: Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, And Marco Rubio Are “On Bended Knee Before ‘Oligarchs’ Like The Koch Brothers.’” According to Politico, “Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich says he’s frightened by the prospect of his party’s top candidates – from Jeb Bush to Scott Walker to Marco Rubio — appearing on bended knee before “oligarchs” like the Koch Brothers.” [Politico, 8/3/15]

Rubio Has Appeared At Several Koch Sponsored Speaking Events

“Immigrant Experience” Dinner

The Koch Conference’s Final Speaker Was Sen. Marco Rubio, Who Gave The Closing Speech At The “Immigrant Experience” Dinner Instead Of The Gathering’s Usual Last Speaker, Charles Koch. According to The Nation, “On the last night of the Koch brothers’ secretive donor retreat in June, wealthy conservatives sat down to ‘The Immigrant Experience’ dinner, as it was dubbed internally. Usually Charles Koch delivers ‘the final battle cry,’ a Koch operative told the audience. But this year the closing speech was given by a special guest:Marco Rubio, the Republican Senator from Florida and prospective 2016 presidential candidate.” [Nation, 9/4/14]

Charles Koch “Wrapped Up” The Koch Conference By Thanking Rubio For “All He’s Doing To Try To Preserve And Enhance Our Free Society.”According to TheNation, “Charles Koch wrapped up the evening by thanking ‘Marco’ for ‘all he’s doing to try to preserve and enhance our free society.’” [Nation,9/4/14]

The Nation: The Event “Illustrated The Close Relationship” Between Rubio AndThe Koch Brothers, “Who Gave More Money To Rubio In 2010 Than To Any Other Candidate For National Office Outside Of Their Home State, Kansas.” According to The Nation, “[Sen. Marco] Rubio said little to surprise or offend. (A full transcript is here.) Still, the event illustrated the close relationship between the senator and the Koch brothers, who gave more money to Rubio in 2010 than to any other candidate for national office outside of their home state, Kansas.” [Nation, 9/4/14]

Rubio Is “One Of Only Five Senators Who Have Earned A Perfect Score For Their Voting Record From AFP.” According to The Nation, “In turn, Rubio has supported the Kochs’ agenda by spreading skepticism about climate change science,and by advocating for other antiregulatory policies that would boost the Kochs’ bottom line. He is one of only five Senators who have earned a perfect score for their voting record from AFP.” [Nation, 9/4/14]

Concerned Veterans For America

CVA Is Co-Hosting An Event Where Sen. Rubio Will “Offer Specific Policy Targets For Rebuilding Each Branch Of The Armed Services, Heightening Cyber And Space Capabilities, And Reforming Components Of The Military Personnel System.” According to a press release from Sen. Marco Rubio, “On Wednesday, September 17, U.S. SenatorMarco Rubio (R-FL) will address the need to build American defense capabilities for the21^st century, in light of the current global crises and attempts to diminish American military strength to historic lows. Rubio will offer specific policy targets for rebuilding each branch of thearmed services, heightening cyber and space capabilities, and reforming components of themilitary personnel system. The event is hosted by the John Hay Initiative, in association with Concerned Veterans for America and The Project for the Common Defense.” [Rubio Press Release, 9/11/14]

Sen. Marco Rubio Spoke At A CVA Event About “The Importance Of American Leadership In The Global Arena” Which Was “In Line With The Principles Espoused By CVA’s Strength And Security Project.” According to press release, “On September 17, 2014, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) spoke on the importance of maintaining American strength as a deterrent to aggression and violence around the world. In line with the principles espoused by CVA’s Strength and Security Project, Sen.Rubio spoke about the importance of American leadership in the global arena. As put by the Senator on the uniqueness of America’s role abroad: ‘The world needs American Strength just as much as our people and our economy do. No other nation can deter global conflict by its presence alone. No other nation can offer thesecurity and benevolence that America can. No other nation can be trusted to defend peaceand advance liberty.’” [CVA Press Release, 9/17/14]

Sens. John McCain and Marco Rubio and Former Speaker Newt Gingrich will headline CVA’s “Fixing Veterans Health Care Summit.” According to a press release from Concerned Veterans for America, “Today, Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) announced the addition of Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) as well as former Speaker of theHouse Newt Gingrich to the growing list of prominent lawmakers and policy experts set to headline the Fixing Veterans Health Care Summit and react to the findings of CVA’s bipartisan Taskforce report which will be released at the event on Feb. 26 in Washington, D.C.” [Concerned Veterans for America Press Release, 2/11/15]

CVA: “Senator Marco Rubio Has Been An Early And Outspoken Advocate Of Bringing Long-Overdue Accountability To The Department Of Veterans Affairs.”According to a press release from Concerned Veterans for America, “Senator Marco Rubio has been an earlyand outspoken advocate of bringing long-overdue accountability to the Department of Veterans Affairs and was the lead Senate sponsor for the VA Management Accountability Act in 2014, which served as the basis for many of the important reform and accountability provisions included in the final compromise bill the president enacted.” [Concerned Veterans for America Press Release,2/11/15]

WMUR: “Marco Rubio Will Return To New Hampshire” In June “As The First Speaker InThe Concerned Veterans For America’s New ‘Veterans And Military Town Hall’ Series InThe Granite State.” According to WMUR, “Florida Sen. Marco Rubio will return to New Hampshire later this month as the first speaker in the Concerned Veterans for America’s new ‘Veterans and Military Town Hall’ series in the Granite State, WMUR.com has learned.” [WMUR, 6/3/15]

Sen. Marco Rubio Will Be Speaking At A Town Hall Event Hosted By Concerned Veterans For America. According to SeacoastOnline.com, “Florida Republican U.S. SenatorMarco Rubio, who recently announced his candidacy for president, will be in Exeter next week for a Town Hall event focused on military and veterans’ issues. According to the senator’s office, Rubio will be at Exeter’s historic Town Hall to speak on these issues, hosted by thegroup Concerned Veterans for America.” [SeacoastOnline.com, 6/15/15]

Rubio Introduced A Bill To “To Increase The Liability And Accountability Of VA Administrators.” According to SeacoastOnline.com, “The United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs changed the mileage requirement for veterans unable to seek timely care from nearby official veteran medical facilities from a straight-line, or ‘as the crow flies,’ to theactual driving distance to other hospitals. The act became law in August 2014, with Rubio’s sponsorship. Rubio also introduced a bill in January attempting to increase the liability andaccountability of VA administrators after last year’s widely-publicized VA scandals.” [SeacoastOnline.com, 6/15/15]

Freedom Partners Chamber Of Commerce

Four Leading Republican Presidential Prospects Are Expected To Appear At The Annual Winter Gathering Of Freedom Partners Chamber Of Commerce. According to Politico, “Four leading Republican presidential prospects are expected to appear this weekend in theCalifornia desert before an exclusive gathering of rich conservatives convened by the Koch brothers’ political operation, several sources tell POLITICO. Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Marco Rubio of Florida, and Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin received coveted invitations to speak to the vaunted network assembled by the billionaire industrialist megadonors Charles and David Koch, the sources said. The meeting, set to be held at a Palm Springs hotel, is the annual winter gathering of Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, thenonprofit group that oversees the network of fiscally conservative groups formed with help fromthe Kochs and their operatives.” [Politico, 1/19/15]

Sens. Ted Cruz, Rand Paul And Marco Rubio, And Gov. Scott Walker “Received Coveted Invitations To Speak To The Vaunted Network Assembled By The Billionaire Industrialist Megadonors Charles And David Koch.” According to Politico, “Four leading Republican presidential prospects are expected to appear this weekend in the California desert before an exclusive gathering of rich conservatives convened by the Koch brothers’ political operation, several sources tell POLITICO. Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas, Rand Paul of Kentucky andMarco Rubio of Florida, and Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin received coveted invitations to speak to the vaunted network assembled by the billionaire industrialist megadonors Charlesand David Koch, the sources said. The meeting, set to be held at a Palm Springs hotel, is theannual winter gathering of Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, the nonprofit group that oversees the network of fiscally conservative groups formed with help from the Kochs and their operatives.” [Politico, 1/19/15]

New York Times: Senators Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, And Marco Rubio Are Expected To Attend The Koch Summit. According to the New York Times, “Mr. Cruz, Mr. Paul and SenatorMarco Rubio of Florida have all received invitations to the event and are expected to attend. Other invited Republicans include Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin and Jeb Bush, the former governor of Florida, who is not expected to make it because of a scheduling conflict.” [New York Times, 1/20/15]

Gov. Scott Walker Was Also Invited, And Jeb Bush Received An Invitation But Is Not Expected To Attend Due To A Scheduling Conflict. According to the New York Times, “Mr. Cruz, Mr. Paul and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida have all received invitations to the eventand are expected to attend. Other invited Republicans include Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsinand Jeb Bush, the former governor of Florida, who is not expected to make it because of a scheduling conflict.” [New York Times, 1/20/15]

New York Times: Sen. Marco Rubio “Has Been A Frequent Speaker At American For Prosperity Summit Meetings” Including “A High-Profile And Carefully Chosen Speaking Slot” At 2014’s Summer Seminar. According to the New York Times, “Another prospective presidential candidate who has been popping up at Koch events in recent years is Mr. Rubio. He delivered the closing speech at last year’s summer seminar — a high-profile and carefully chosen speaking slot — and has been a frequent speaker at American for Prosperity summit meetings.” [New York Times, 1/20/15]

Huffington Post: Marco Rubio “Played Coy When Asked If He Plans To Meet With TheKoch Brothers” At Their Retreat But “Noted That Many Of The People Expected To Attend” Had Been Supporters Of His 2010 Run For Senate. On Wednesday, [Marco] Rubio played coy when asked if he plans to meet with the Koch brothers while at theretreat. But he noted that many of the people expected to attend had been supporters of his upstart run for Senate in 2010. ‘Any time I have a chance to speak to people about my agenda to move forward,’ said Rubio, ‘I’m going to take that opportunity.’” [Huffington Post, 1/21/15]

Hill: “Many Republicans Point” To Marco Rubio’s Appearance At Freedom Partners’ Winter Meeting “As The Moment When He Cemented His Standing As A Leading National Security Voice Among The 2016 GOP Field.” According to The Hill, “Many Republicans also point to Rubio’s January appearance at the California winter meeting of Freedom Partners, the conservative, free-market group aligned with Republican mega-donors Charles and David Koch, as the moment when he cemented his standing as a leading national security voice among the 2016 GOP field.” [The Hill, 5/14/15]

Americans For Prosperity

Sen. Marco Rubio Spoke At A Lunch Hosted By AFP, Where He “Voiced Strong Opposition To ‘Net Neutrality’ Laws.” According to The Washington Post’s Post Politics blog, “Later in the day, [Sen. Marco] Rubio spoke at lunch hosted by Americans for Prosperity, a conservative group backed by the billionaire industrialist Koch brothers. There, he voiced strong opposition to ‘net neutrality’ laws, which Republican politicians generally oppose.” [Post Politics via WashingtonPost.com, 5/1/15]

Advocating For The Koch Agenda

Export-Import Bank

Freedom Partners Praised Gov. Jeb Bush, Sen. Ted Cruz, Sen. Rand Paul, and Sen.Marco Rubio For Their Opposition To Reauthorizing The Export-Import Bank. According to the Washington Times, “Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, a nonprofit group with ties to the billionaire philanthropists Charles and David Koch, applauded four potential GOP presidential contenders on Tuesday for supporting the end of the Export-Import Bank. ‘Former Governor Jeb Bush, Senator Ted Cruz, Senator Rand Paul and Senator Marco Rubio’s opposition to reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank is a clear sign that opposition to the bank extends from the grassroots all the way to some of the most prominent figures in national politics,’ Freedom Partners President Marc Short said in a statement.” [Washington Times, 3/3/15]

Marco Rubio Was Scheduled To Join AFP CEO Luke Hilgemann And Vice President Brent Gardner For A Press Call On Ex-Im Bank. According to The Washington Times, “They made their point clear in a open letter: 56 free-market organizations — from Americans for Prosperity to Citizens Against Government Waste — have spoken out against reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank. ‘By paying foreign companies to buy American exports, the Export-Import Bank tilts the playing field away from mid-sized and small businesses in favor of large, politically connected corporations,’ the coalition says, noting that the Ex-Im does not use ‘fair-value accounting’ which could ultimately cost tax payers $2 billion. […] Sen.Marco Rubio agrees with them, and will join Americans for Prosperity CEO Luke Hilgemannand vice president Brent Gardner for a press call on Thursday, followed by a forum in May. It’s fantastically complicated, however. The Ex-Im’s annual conference gets underway Thursday as well, while its charter expires June 30. Fans and foes alike are chiming in about its future.” [Washington Times, 4/22/15]

Headline: “Marco Rubio: I Would Love To Win Support From The Koch Brothers In 2016.” [Washington Times, 4/23/15]

Sen. Marco Rubio Participated In A Conference Call Hosted By AFP In Which They “Made The Case Against Reauthorizing The Export-Import Bank.” According to TheWashington Times, “In a conference call hosted by the Koch-funded Americans For Prosperity, Mr. Rubio was asked about a report in USA Today in which Charles Koch said that he and his brother David, who run the sprawling Koch industries, are open to supporting Mr. Rubio in thepresidential race. […]The comments came toward the end of a conference call in which Mr. Rubio and leaders of AFP made the case against reauthorizing the Export-Import bank.” [Washington Times, 4/23/15]

Sen. Marco Rubio Spoke To AFP-NH “About The Export-Import Bank, Which The Koch Groups Fiercely Oppose.” According to CNN, “Later in the day, [Marco]Rubio spoke to theNew Hampshire chapter of Americans for Prosperity about the Export-Import bank, which theKoch groups fiercely oppose. The bank, which uses federal money to incentivize U.S. companies to manufacture products in the U.S., is up for a re-authorization vote before Congress at the end of the month.” [CNN, 6/25/15]

AFP: Senator Marco Rubio Made “The Case For Ending The Export-Import Bank” AndCredited AFP For “The Emergence Of The Issue.” According to an AFP web post, “SenatorMarco Rubio addressed hundreds of Americans for Prosperity volunteers in Manchester last week, making the case for ending the Export-Import Bank and attributing the emergence of theissue to the group’s year-long efforts.” [AmericansForProsperity.org/article, 6/29/15]

Sen. Rubio On Ex-Im Bank Becoming A National Issue: “I Think That’s Really What’s Driven It Is The Fact That Groups Like AFP And Others Have Made It A Priority To Inform Americans About It.” According to a web post from AFP, “Withthe group’s encouragement, numerous high-profile figures voiced their opposition tothe bank including: Congressman Jeb Hensarling, Governor Jeb Bush, Governor Scott Walker, Governor Rick Perry, Senator Marco Rubio, Senator Ted Cruz, Senator Rand Paul, Carly Fiorina, and many others. Senator Rubio gave credit to AFP, saying: ‘Only in the last couple years as outside groups have paid attention — not just to its existence but to how it’s actually working– has it risen to a level of consciousness in the political realm. So I think that’s really what’s driven it is the fact that groups like AFP and others have made it a priority to inform Americans about it.’” [AmericansForProsperity.org/article, 6/30/15]

Climate Change

Sen. Marco Rubio “Did Not Disagree With The Science Of Climate Change” But Insisted That The New Rules Would “Make The Cost Of Electricity High For Millions Of Americans.” According to The Hill, “Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) did not disagree with thescience of climate change, but focused on how the new rules would hurt the economy. ‘It will make the cost of electricity high for millions of Americans,’ he said, adding that while a billionaire wouldn’t mind the increase in energy costs, a single mother would.” [The Hill, 8/3/15]

Rubio Questioned The Effectiveness Of President Obama’s Rules, Adding That Major Developing Countries Like China And India Will Still Emit Large Amounts Of Greenhouse Gases. According to The Hill, “Rubio also questioned the effectiveness of therules, saying that major developing countries like China and India will still emit massive amounts of greenhouse gases. ‘The bottom line is that American energy will allow millions of people to improve their standard of living, just as it has eradicated poverty for millions of people around the world,’ he said.” [The Hill, 8/3/15]

Support From Koch Financed Groups

LIBRE Initiative

Garza: Marco Rubio Is “A Top-Tier Candidate, Who I Think Brings Innovative Ideas. I’ve Been Impressed By Him, And Obviously A Lot That He Has Expressed, His Narrative Is One That Is Common To Us.” According to Latin Post, “Speaking about U.S. Sen.Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Garza said, ‘I think it’s exciting for the Latino community to have one of their own, who is a top-tier candidate, who I think brings innovative ideas. I’ve been impressed by him, and obviously a lot that he has expressed, his narrative is one that is common to us, that we relate to: picked himself up from the bootstraps, his dad was a bartender and his mother was working in a hotel as a maid. I think we can all relate to that.’ ‘The fact that he shares our American experience and our struggles as folks who had to come up from thebottom and up the economic ladder, I think he has a unique perspective on things; he has a shared language and a shared culture. I think that position is very well moving forward.’” [Latin Post, 4/28/15]

Garza: The LIBRE Initiative “Is Working To Expand School Choice Across TheNation.” According to an op-ed by LIBRE Initiative executive director Daniel Garza for The Hill, “Students across the country deserve the benefits of school choice. My organization is working to expand school choice across the nation. It’s our hope that Clinton will join the ranks of thepresidential candidates who support school choice, such as Gov. Scott Walker (R-Wis.), former Gov. Jeb Bush (R-Fla.), and Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas). Our next president must be someone who understands the importance of promoting school choice opportunities in all 50 states.” [Daniel Garza – The Hill, 6/9/15]

Garza: “It’s Our HopeThat Clinton Will Join The Ranks Of The Presidential Candidates Who Support School Choice,” Like Govs. Scott Walker And Jeb Bush, And Sens.Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, And Ted Cruz. According to an op-ed by LIBRE Initiative executive director Daniel Garza for The Hill, “Students across the country deserve the benefits of school choice. My organization is working to expand school choice across the nation. It’s our hope that Clinton will join the ranks of the presidential candidates who support school choice, such as Gov. Scott Walker (R-Wis.), former Gov. Jeb Bush (R-Fla.), and Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas). Our next president must be someone who understands the importance of promoting school choice opportunities in all 50 states.” [Daniel Garza – The Hill,6/9/15]

Garza: Marco Rubio “Was Going To To Introduce Legislation For The Dreamers Before He Got Short Circuited By Barack Obama’s Executive Action.” According to an interview of LIBRE Initiative executive director Daniel Garza on Press Play with Madeleine Brand, “I think Jeb has a great narrative on that one, he’s got a good track record as well. He has stood strong in that position. I think Marco Rubio has shown leadership, after all he was the one who was gong to introduce legislation for the DREAMers before he got short circuited by Barack Obama’s executive action. And he’s the one who actually led the effort on the Senate side for reform. So he’s shown leadership on the issue, and I think that’s very strong. I think Also Rand Paul has been very comfortable in minority communities, outreaching. And Chris Christie, who got 51% of the Latino vote, predominantly Puerto Rican, that’s a tough nut to crack in theLatino community.” [Press Play with Madeleine Brand – KCRW, 6/23/15]

Concerned Veterans For America

CVA Supported Legislation Filed By Sen. Marco Rubio In The Senate And Rep. Jeff Miller In The House To Make It Easier For The Secretary Of Veterans Affairs To Fire Workers. According to Military.com, “Presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, has filed legislation to make it easier for Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald to fire workersand lengthen new workers’ probationary period from a year to 18 months. Rubio filed the bill on April 23, the same date that House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Jeff Miller, another Florida Republican, filed identical legislation on the House side. […]The new bills do have the backing of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, the Iraq andAfghanistan Veterans of America, and Concerned Veterans for America.” [Military.com, 4/28/15]

Hegseth Praised Marco Rubio’s “Efforts Towards Working To Improve The Department Of Veterans Affairs.” According to the Daily Signal, “Pete Hegseth, the CEO of Concerned Veterans for America, introduced [Sen. Marco] Rubio and praised his efforts towards working to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs.” [Daily Signal,6/26/15]

Generation Opportunity

Generation Opportunity: “Many Young Americans Can Sympathize With Rubio” On TheIssue Of Student Loans. According to a Generation Opportunity web post, “A New York Times article last week attacked Senator Marco Rubio for having student loan debt – among other things, like speeding tickets. With regard to student loans, however, many young Americans can sympathize with Rubio.” [GenerationOpportunity.org/articles, 6/15/15]

Fundraising

Individuals Associated With THe Koch Network Have Donated To Rubio

“Individuals Affiliated With” Koch Industries Collectively Were Sen. Marco Rubio’s 10^th Largest Donor Since He Won His Senate Seat In 2010, Donating $37,200 Total. According to Yahoo, “That probably explains why Rubio’s donor list to date includes many more corporate contributors than either Cruz’s or Paul’s. Here’s a list ofRubio’s top 10 donors since he first ran for the Senate in 2010, according to the nonprofit Center for Responsive Politics. Keep in mind that these are mostly contributions from individuals affiliated with each group, rather than single-sum donations from the group itself: […] [10.] Koch Industries, the conglomerate run by conservative activist brothers Charles and David Koch: $37,200. (Koch has donated $17,000 to Sen. Paul since 2010.)” [Yahoo, 4/13/15]

Marco Rubio And The Koch Network Have Shared Employees

Sen. Marco Rubio’s 2010 U.S. Senate Campaign Manager Is Now An Official With TheLibre Initiative. According to the Tampa Bay Times, “Jose Mallea, who managedMarco Rubio’s blockbuster 2010 U.S. Senate campaign, has a new title: Beer maker. […] Mallea worked on Newt Gingrich’s 2012 presidential bid and is an official with the Libre Initiative.” [Tampa Bay Times, 8/28/14]

The Kochs And Jeb Bush

Fundraising

David Koch Was Set To Host A Fundraiser For The Republican Governor’s Association At His Palm Beach Mansion Featuring Scott Walker, Chris Christie, Bobby Jindal, And Potentially Jeb Bush. According to the Washington Post, “One of the next stops on the 2016 trail: David Koch’s 30,050-square-foot Palm Beach mansion. A group of White House hopefuls, including Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, are scheduled to make a pilgrimage to the oceanfront estate of the billionaire industrialist on Sunday afternoon. The occasion is a lunchtime fundraiser for the Republican Governors Association, of which Koch is a major supporter. The event will also give presidential aspirants face-time with some of the party’s most influential and generous contributors. Former governors Jeb Bush of Florida and Rick Perry of Texas were also invited to the event; Perry aides said he would not be able to attend.” [Washington Post, 3/20/15]

Technology & Strategy

The Koch Network Offered Jeb Bush And Other Candidates Advice On How To Utilize Technology In THeir Campaigns

Koch Political Operatives Met With The Republican Party’s Top Operatives And “Several Leading Prospective 2016 Presidential Candidates” To Discuss “How To Synchronize Their Sometimes Competing Tech Efforts.” According to Politico, “The Republican Party’s top operatives — including strategists representing the Koch brothers’ political operation and several leading prospective 2016 presidential candidates – on Monday huddled behind closed doors to discuss how to synchronize their sometimes competing tech efforts, multiple attendees confirmed to POLITICO. The all-day meeting attracted about 40 of the right’s biggest names in tech and strategy – including Koch operatives Michael Palmer and Marc Short, leading strategists from many of the major super PACs and all of the party committees, as well as close allies of Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz, Rick Perry and Scott Walker. […] Representing Rove’s American Crossroads outfit was communications director Paul Lindsay and Rove’s chief of staff Kristin Noel Davison, while Joe Rickett’s Ending Spending super PAC was represented by operative Brian Baker. Also attending were tech strategists Andrew Barkett (the chief technology officer of the RNC), Lindsay Conwell (an executive at i360), Gerrit Lansing, (Digital Director of the NRCC) and Ned Ryun (who runs a voter data company called Voter Gravity).” [Politico, 12/8/14]

Jeb Bush Hired Former Koch Network Staffers For His Campaign

Larry McCarthy

One Of Jeb Bush’s Potential Super PAC Hires, Larry McCarthy, Has Previously Made Ads For AFP. According to The Washington Post, “Some of the Republican Party’s top strategists are in serious discussions to work for Jeb Bush’s super PAC, Right to Rise, a well-funded group that will operate independent of Bush’s official campaign but will work to promote his candidacy and tear down his opponents. Veteran pollster Neil Newhouse and ad-maker Larry McCarthy are among the advisers in talks to work on the outside effort, according to Republicans with knowledge of the conversations. […] McCarthy has been a leading Republican media strategist for decades and has considerable experience navigating the super PAC world. In 2012, he made ads for Restore Our Future, the pro-Romney super PAC, as well as American Crossroads and Americans for Prosperity.” [Washington Post, 3/17/15]

Jose Mallea

Jose Mallea, National Strategic Director Of The Libre Initiative Is One Of The Bush Advisers Who Will Address A Gathering Of Jeb Bush’s Top Funders “At An Oceanfront Luxury Hotel.” According to the Wall Street Journal, “Jeb Bush’s top donors are hearing Monday from a range of his policy advisers and political supporters whose biographies offer a flavor of his anticipated presidential campaign. The panelists addressing 350 top donors gathered at an oceanfront luxury hotel include Sally Bradshaw, his former chief of staff; Mike Murphy, a longtime political adviser; David Kochel, an Iowa-based political consultant; Heather Larrison, the former fundraiser for the Republican Governors Association; Justin Muzinich, a former hedge fund director; and pollster David Hill. Talking about ‘Jeb’s story’ will be Jeb Bush Jr., his son; Helen Aguirre Ferre, host of a local public affairs television show; Jose Mallea, national strategic director of the Libre Initiative; Cesar Martinez, a Hispanic media consultant; and Ana Navarro, a television commentator who has advised presidential campaigns on Hispanic issues.” [Wall Street Journal, 4/27/15]

Politico: LIBRE National Strategic Director And Former Marco Rubio Campaign Manager, Jose Mallea, Will Be Hired As Jeb Bush’s Hispanic-Outreach Adviser. According to Politico, “Marco Rubio’s longtime friend and 2010 Senate campaign manager is about to be hired as a Hispanic-outreach adviser for the senator’s likely Republican 2016 rival, Jeb Bush, sources familiar with the decision tell POLITICO. Jose Mallea’s hiring by Bush’s Right to Rise political committee is a one-two punch for the former governor: It underscores the depth of loyalty Florida Republicans have for Bush and it shows his intense interest in turning out the Latino vote.[…] Mallea, who refused comment, plans Friday to resign his post as the national strategic director for the LIBRE Initiative, a Latino-outreach organization tied to the influential Koch brothers. He was hired after the initiative was founded nearly four years ago.” [Politico, 5/1/15]

Former LIBRE National Strategic Director Jose Mallea, Who Is Currently In Charge Jeb Bush’s Hispanic Outreach, Said He Will Lead “A Major Investment In A Spanish-Language Media Buy Campaign.” According to BuzzFeed, “Jeb Bush was loose before his campaign kickoff event Monday in Miami, joking around backstage and letting loose a dirty word in Spanish, a ‘colloquial street Miami thing,’ said Jose Mallea, Bush’s hire for connecting with Hispanic voters. […] There will also be major investment in a Spanish-language media buy campaign, led by Mallea, who served as Marco Rubio’s campaign manager and was national strategic director for the Koch brother-funded LIBRE Initiative, which has made waves, serving Latino communities in key states, but drawing the ire of Democrats who say the group misrepresents itself.” [BuzzFeed, 6/16/15]

Latino Outreach

Garza: Jeb Bush “Connects,” And Has “Genuine Affinity” With The Latino Community. According to an interview of LIBRE Initiative executive director Daniel Garza on Press Play with Madeleine Brand, “I can tell you he’ll [Jeb Bush] have the first Latino family. But look, he connects, there is a genuine affinity to the Latino community. And his Spanish is superb by the way, and I can attest that actually he is very fluent. But at the end of the day, the Spanish is great, but it gives him an advantage, a window of opportunity to speak to the hearts and minds of Latinos. And that’s speaking on immigration, on the American dream, on opportunity. Look, I think it’s going to come down to economic freedom versus economic populism, and I think Jeb has the right message on this one. We are like every other American, we’re looking for that leader that can inspire confidence, a renewed American leadership model you know. Promises made, promises kept kind of thing.” [Press Play with Madeleine Brand – KCRW, 6/23/15]

Garza: “I Think It’s Going To Come Down To Economic Freedom Versus Economic Populism,” And Jeb Bush “Has The Right Message On This One.” According to an interview of LIBRE Initiative executive director Daniel Garza on Press Play with Madeleine Brand, “I can tell you he’ll [Jeb Bush] have the first Latino family. But look, he connects, there is a genuine affinity to the Latino community. And his Spanish is superb by the way, and I can attest that actually he is very fluent. But at the end of the day, the Spanish is great, but it gives him an advantage, a window of opportunity to speak to the hearts and minds of Latinos. And that’s speaking on immigration, on the American dream, on opportunity. Look, I think it’s going to come down to economic freedom versus economic populism, and I think Jeb has the right message on this one. We are like every other American, we’re looking for that leader that can inspire confidence, a renewed American leadership model you know. Promises made, promises kept kind of thing.” [Press Play with Madeleine Brand – KCRW, 6/23/15]

ENGLISH TRANSLATION: Garza: “I Believe That The Ideal Case Is A Pathway To Citizenship.” According to a translation by American Bridge of a Spanish language interview of LIBRE Initiative executive director Daniel Garza for NY1 Noticias, “I believe that the ideal case is a pathway to citizenship. We have always said that, but in what (pause), I believe what is possible, is a pathway/road to legality that can give us portability of jobs – one can change jobs – circulation where one can go to their country of origin, work security where one doesn’t have to worry about being deported, where there is the unification of family – where everyone receives the visa under the father or mother. So there are opportunities to reconcile between those different positions, and I don’t know, maybe at the end of the day and if it’s the option on the table, if citizenship is the only option for Jeb Bush, I am certain that he will vote or support an agenda of that type.” [Translation – NY1 Noticias, 7/14/15]

ENGLISH TRANSLATION: Garza: A Pathway To Citizenship Could Provide “Portability Of Jobs,” Options For Immigrants To Return To Their Country Of Origin, “Work Security,” And “Unification Of Family.” According to a translation by American Bridge of a Spanish language interview of LIBRE Initiative executive director Daniel Garza for NY1 Noticias, “I believe that the ideal case is a pathway to citizenship. We have always said that, but in what (pause), I believe what is possible, is a pathway/road to legality that can give us portability of jobs – one can change jobs – circulation where one can go to their country of origin, work security where one doesn’t have to worry about being deported, where there is the unification of family – where everyone receives the visa under the father or mother. So there are opportunities to reconcile between those different positions, and I don’t know, maybe at the end of the day and if it’s the option on the table, if citizenship is the only option for Jeb Bush, I am certain that he will vote or support an agenda of that type.” [Translation – NY1 Noticias, 7/14/15]

ENGLISH TRANSLATION: Garza: “If Citizenship Is The Only Option For Jeb Bush, I Am Certain That He Will Vote Or Support An Agenda Of That Type.” According to a translation by American Bridge of a Spanish language interview of LIBRE Initiative executive director Daniel Garza for NY1 Noticias, “I believe that the ideal case is a pathway to citizenship. We have always said that, but in what (pause), I believe what is possible, is a pathway/road to legality that can give us portability of jobs – one can change jobs – circulation where one can go to their country of origin, work security where one doesn’t have to worry about being deported, where there is the unification of family – where everyone receives the visa under the father or mother. So there are opportunities to reconcile between those different positions, and I don’t know, maybe at the end of the day and if it’s the option on the table, if citizenship is the only option for Jeb Bush, I am certain that he will vote or support an agenda of that type.” [Translation – NY1 Noticias, 7/14/15]

The Koch Primary

Bush Attempts To Woo THe Koch Network

MSNBC Headline: “Jeb Bush: ‘I’m Not ‘Auditioning’ For The Koch Brothers.” [MSNBC, 4/23/15]

Bush Called The Koch Network An “Important Part Of Any Coalition To Win The Primary.” According to MSNBC, “‘If I go beyond the consideration to be an active candidate, my hope is to garner as much support across the whole spectrum of the Republican party,’ [Jeb] Bush told msnbc after a meet-and-greet with the Manhattan Republican Party on the Upper East Side. He called the Koch brothers’ network an ‘important part of any coalition to win the primary, so I don’t view it as auditioning for sure. But my intention is, if I’m a candidate, I will reach out to every sector of the party.’” [MSNBC, 4/23/15]

Freedom Partners Summit

Politico: “A Top Koch Aide Revealed… That Jeb Bush Will Be Given A Chance To Audition For The Brothers’ Support, Despite Initial Skepticism About Him At The Top Of The Kochs’ Growing Political Behemoth.” According to Politico, “In another surprise, a top Koch aide revealed to POLITICO that Jeb Bush will be given a chance to audition for the brothers’ support, despite initial skepticism about him at the top of the Kochs’ growing political behemoth.” [Politico, 4/21/15]

Freedom Partners Was “Expected To Extend Invitations To Its Upcoming Summer Meeting” To Jeb Bush, And “Possibly” Gov. Bobby Jindal And Gov. Rick Perry.”According to Politico, “The group [Freedom Partners] hosted Cruz, Rubio, Paul and Walker at its winter meeting, where Rubio shined and Paul bombed. It’s expected to extend invitations to its upcoming summer meeting to [Jeb] Bush and possibly Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry.” [Politico.com, 4/22/15]

Paul Krugman: There Is A “Need To Tell Big Money What It Wants To Hear: A Candidate Saying Anything Realistic About Obamacare Or Tax Cuts Won’t Survive The… Koch Brothers Primary.” According to an opinion by New York Times columnist Paul Krugman, “So why has the Republican Party experienced a zombie apocalypse? One reason, surely, is the fact that most Republican politicians represent states or districts that will never, ever vote for a Democrat, so the only thing they fear is a challenge from the far right. Another is the need to tell Big Money what it wants to hear: a candidate saying anything realistic about Obamacare or tax cuts won’t survive the Sheldon Adelson/Koch brothers primary.” [Paul Krugman – New York Times, 4/24/15]

Mother Jones: “Jeb Bush Will Finally Get His Chance To Audition For The Koch Brothers.” According to Mother Jones, “Jeb Bush will finally get his chance to audition for the Koch brothers.” [Mother Jones, 6/22/15]

In January 2015, Sens. Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, And Marco Rubio, As Well As Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Attended The Koch Brothers’ Winter Conference, But Jeb Bush Did Not Make An Appearance. According to Mother Jones, “For months, there has been speculation about which GOP 2016 hopeful will win the backing of the billionaire brothers and their donor network, but the former Florida governor has been conspicuously absent from the conversation. In January, Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), as well as Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, attended the winter conference organized by the conservative brothers in California, but [Jeb] Bush did not make an appearance.” [Mother Jones, 6/22/15]

Koch Brothers Representatives Said The Door “Was Not Closed” To Jeb Bush And That He Had “A Chance To Win Their Dollars.” According to Mother Jones, “And in April, David Koch was reportedly spreading the word that he liked Walker—or even a Walker-Rubio ticket. This was not surprising. The Kochs and their lieutenants were not major fans of the George W. Bush administration, and they may well be reluctant to see another member of the Bush dynasty occupy the White House. But representatives of the brothers said the door was not closed to Bush and he still has a chance to win their dollars.” [Mother Jones, 6/22/15]

American Prospect: Jeb Bush Appealed To The Koch Brothers At Their Summer Meeting By Attributing The Natural-Gas And Crude-Oil Boom To Private Business.According to American Prospect, “Bush’s answer to Allen’s question was that he would take better advantage of what he called the energy revolution in fracking and crude-oil excavation. That answer was cheerful enough, one presumes, to a pair of siblings whose conglomerate was founded on a gusher of fossil fuel. But the real money quote came next, when Bush went on to list the reasons why the recent natural-gas and crude-oil boom happened. ‘The one that is unique to America? Private property rights,’ Bush said. ‘Private property rights. … And you know what the second was? Private business. Not a public company—a private business.’” [American Prospect, 8/5/15]

Americans For Prosperity Summit

Jeb Bush Was Scheduled To Give The Keynote Address Of AFP’s “Defending The American Dream” Summit. According to Mother Jones, “In a matter of weeks, that opportunity will come. Bush, it was announced on Monday, will give the keynote address on August 21 at the ‘Defending the American Dream’ summit organized by Americans for Prosperity, the advocacy group founded and partly funded by the Kochs. At this event, Bush will have his shot to impress the Kochs and their inner circle. He won’t be singing for his supper; he’ll just be auditioning for millions of dollars—perhaps hundreds of millions of dollars—in support.” [Mother Jones, 6/22/15]

AFP CEO Luke Hilgemann On Summit: “We Are Excited To Include Governor Jeb Bush Who Will Share His Story About The American Dream And His Insights Into How We Can Work To Preserve It.” According to a web post from AFP, “AFP Chief Executive Officer Luke Hilgemann had the following to say: ‘The Defending the American Dream Summit is a chance for thousands of defenders of freedom to come together to learn, be inspired, and celebrate our liberty. We are excited to include Governor Jeb Bush who will share his story about the American dream and his insights into how we can work to preserve it.’” [AmericansForProsperity.org/article, 6/22/15]

At The AFP Summit, Bush Would “Have His Shot To Impress The Kochs And Their Inner Circle” And Would Be “Auditioning For Millions Of Dollars—Perhaps Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars—In Support.” According to Mother Jones, “In a matter of weeks, that opportunity will come. Bush, it was announced on Monday, will give the keynote address on August 21 at the ‘Defending the American Dream’ summit organized by Americans for Prosperity, the advocacy group founded and partly funded by the Kochs. At this event, Bush will have his shot to impress the Kochs and their inner circle. He won’t be singing for his supper; he’ll just be auditioning for millions of dollars—perhaps hundreds of millions of dollars—in support.” [Mother Jones, 6/22/15]

In Addition To Bush, Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Ohio Senator Rob Portman And FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai Are Also Scheduled To Speak At The AFP Summit. According to a web post from AFP, “Governor Jeb Bush joins a lineup that includes Ohio Senator Rob Portman, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Texas Governor Rick Perry, and FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai. The Defending the American Dream Summit will be held on August 21 and 22 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.” [AmericansForProsperity.org/article, 6/22/15]

Americans For Prosperity Will Host Gov. Jeb Bush For The Second Meeting Of Its “Road To Reform” Series. According to WMUR, “In the second meeting of its ‘Road to Reform’ series, the conservative issues advocacy group Americans for Prosperity will host former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Wmur.com has learned.” [WMUR, 7/1/15]

Concerned Veterans For America Summit

Jeb Bush Announced He Will Be Joining A Concerned Veterans For America Veterans And Military Town Hall In Columbia South Carolina. According to an article from WLTZ, “Republican Presidential hopeful Jeb Bush will be joining a Veterans and Military Town Hall to be held in August here. The town hall forum series is being conducted by a group called Concerned Veterans For America, which focuses on federal spending reform, and Veterans-related issues including reform of the VA.” [WLTZ, 7/28/15]

CVA Town Hall Was Likely To Focus On “Federal Spending Reform, And Veterans-Related Issues Including Reform Of The VA.”. According to an article from WLTZ, “Republican Presidential hopeful Jeb Bush will be joining a Veterans and Military Town Hall to be held in August here. The town hall forum series is being conducted by a group called Concerned Veterans For America, which focuses on federal spending reform, and Veterans-related issues including reform of the VA.” [WLTZ, 7/28/15]

The CVA Town Hall Meeting Was Scheduled To Be Held In August 2015 And CVA State Director Daniel Brannan And CVA CEO Pete Hegseth Were Expected To Join Jeb Bush. According to an article from WLTZ, “Monday, August 17th, the event will be held at Seawell’s at the Fairgrounds, 1125 Rosewood Drive in Columbia. Doors will open at 5:00PM and the forum will be held from 6:00PM to 7:00PM. Joining the former Florida Governor are the state director for the group, Daniel Brannan, and CEO of Concerned Veterans for America, Pete Hegseth.” [WLTZ, 7/28/15]

The CVA Town Hall Meeting Was Part Of A Series Of Veterans And Military Town Hall Meetings The Group Held In New Hampshire And South Carolina. According to an article from WLTZ, This event is part of a series of Veterans and Military Town Hall meetings the group is holding in New Hampshire and South Carolina.” [WLTZ,7/28/15]

Concesstions To THe Koch Network

Jeb Bush Came Out Against The Export-Import Bank

Jeb Bush “Made A Major Concession To Conservatives” And Came Out Against The U.S. Export-Import Bank, Which AFP Is Also Against. According to Slate, “Jeb Bush has been adamant that he will not switch his positions on two issues, immigration and Common Core standards, that will generate conservative opposition in the Republican primaries. But he just made a major concession to conservatives on another issue of great importance to many of them—he came out against the U.S. Export-Import Bank. And this new position of Bush’s is not just hard to reconcile with his politics—it’s hard to reconcile with his own business career. Over the past few years, many conservatives have seized on the Ex-Im Bank as a glaring example of crony capitalism, and they will oppose its reauthorization when it comes up in June. They say the bank, which aids exporters by guaranteeing loans for foreign buyers of U.S. products, mainly aids giants like Boeing, GE, and Caterpillar, and, under proper accounting standards, is running a 10-year deficit of $2 billion, on top of its operating costs. The bank’s supporters argue that it is helping a vast array of smaller businesses as well, and that it is essentially self-financing, at minimal cost to U.S. taxpayers. The relatively obscure institution—which was founded in 1934 and whose leadership is appointed by the president—has become a major point of contention on the right, with groups like the Club for Growth and the Koch brothers’ Americans for Prosperity coming out against it while the traditional business lobby, led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, supports it.” [Slate, 3/2/15]

NYT: Freedom Partners’ Attacks On Ex-Im “Raises The Stakes” Republican Primary Candidates, “Effectively Turning The Export-Import Bank Into A Kind Of Litmus Test” In The “Koch Primary.” According to the New York Times, “Freedom Partners’ decision also raises the stakes for contenders for the Republican presidential nomination who are hoping to secure the Kochs’ implicit or explicit blessing, effectively turning the Export-Import Bank into a kind of litmus test in what conservatives have called the ‘Koch primary.’ This month, Freedom Partners praised several of the contenders, including former Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, for opposing reauthorization of the bank, and commended them for “exactly the kind of leadership” the country needed.” [New York Times, 3/23/15]

LA Times: “Republican Presidential Hopefuls, Anxious To Curry Favor With The Kochs, Have Made Ending The Bank Part Of Their Campaign Platforms.” According to the Los Angeles Times, “Republican presidential hopefuls, anxious to curry favor with the Kochs, have made ending the bank part of their campaign platforms. Jeb Bush, Scott Walker and other leading GOP candidates have all come out against it.” [LA Times, 7/2/15]

LA Times: The Effort To Kill Ex-Im “Took Off When Americans For Prosperity Got Heavily Involved.” According to the Los Angeles Times, “The effort truly took off when Americans for Prosperity got heavily involved, tapping its list of 2 million members to contact their representatives. The group held town hall events across the nation and pounded the halls of Congress. Its government relations team met with more than 150 lawmakers or their staffs, including all the freshmen.” [LA Times, 7/2/15]

Privatization Of The Veterans Affairs System

Jeb Bush “Voiced Support” For “The Effort To Privatize Parts Of The VA System,” Which Was “A Priority Of The Koch Brothers-Backed Group, Concerned Veterans For America.” According to the Wall Street Journal, “Last month in New Hampshire, Mr. Bush voiced support for 2014 legislation that allows veterans to see doctors outside the VA system if they experience long wait times or live more than 40 miles from the closest VA hospital. ‘I know it has a pejorative for some, but I’m all in on the voucher thing,’ he said at a March house party in Dover. ‘No one’s suggesting we shut down the VA system. But the simple fact is the VA doesn’t look like it’s made any effort to [let] veterans know that this is available to them. And the number of people taking advantage of this is very, very low.’ The effort to privatize elements of the VA system is a priority of the Koch brothers-backed group, Concerned Veterans for America, which in February called for creating a ‘premium-support private insurance option’ for current veterans and limiting eligibility requirements for future veterans.” [Wall Street Journal, 4/8/15]

Ending The Ethanol Mandate

Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, And Ted Cruz Have Followed The Kochs’ Lead On The Ethanol Mandate. According to the LA Times, “[Jeb] Bush said in March that he wants to phase it out. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has hedged his position, saying he might do the same. [Ted] Cruz has sponsored a bill to eliminate it. Those three candidates, along with [Marco] Rubio and [Rand] Paul, were named by Charles Koch as being on a shortlist of candidates he might support, though that is unlikely to discourage others from courting the Kochs.” [LA Times, 6/9/15]

Phasing Out Medicare

At An AFP Event In New Hampshire, Jeb Bush Told The Crowd That He Wanted To “Phase Out” Medicare In Its Current Form For Future Beneficiaries. According to Wall Street Journal’s Washington Wire blog, ‘At a forum Wednesday in Manchester, N.H., organized by Americans for Prosperity, a leading conservative group, Mr. [Jeb] Bush said he wanted to ‘phase out’ Medicare in its current form for the entitlement program’s future beneficiaries, while protecting it for people receiving benefits now. He said: ‘I think a lot of people recognize that we need to make sure we fulfill the commitment to people that already received the benefits, that are receiving the benefits. But then we need to figure out a way to phase out this program for others and move to a new system that allows them to have something because they’re not going to have anything.’” [Wall Street Journal, 7/23/15]

During AFP’s Road To Reform Event, Bush Was Interviewed By AFP’s Mark Lucas And Discussed The Ex-Im Bank, Health Care And Returning Power To States.According to the Concord Monitor’s Political Monitor blog, “Reform was the theme of the evening, as Bush was interviewed by Americans for Prosperity’s Mark Lucas during the organization’s Road to Reform event. Bush discussed shrinking the government, returning power to states, his record during his eight years as governor, the Export-Import Bank, health care and other topics related to the federal government.” [Concord Monitor, 7/23/15]

Bush Said He Would, “Look To End All Energy Subsidies Including Fossil Fuels.” According to The Hill, “Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush says he would look to end all energy subsides, including for fossil fuel, if he’s elected president. Bush told an environmental activist at an Americans for Prosperity event in Manchester, N.H., on Wednesday that he would look to ‘phase out, through tax reform, the tax credits for wind, for solar, for the oil and gas sector, for all that stuff’ if he wins the presidency.” [The Hill –7/24/15]

Bush Said He Would “Phase Out, Through Tax Reform, The Tax Credits For Wind, For Solar, For The OilAnd Gas Sector, For All That Stuff.”According to The Hill, “Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush says he would look to end all energy subsides, including for fossil fuel, if he’s elected president. Bush told an environmental activist at an Americans for Prosperity event in Manchester, N.H., on Wednesday that he would look to ‘phase out, through tax reform, the tax credits for wind, for solar, for the oil and gas sector, for all that stuff’ if he wins the presidency.” [The Hill – 7/24/15]

Bush: “I Think Tax Reform Ought To Be To Lower The Rate As Far As You Can And Eliminate As Many Of These Subsidies.”According to The Hill, “In the video, Bush equated the subsidies to picking winners and losers by giving preferential treatment to certain sources of energy over others. He said he would look to do away with all the subsidies through an overhaul of the tax code. ‘I don’t think we should pick winners and losers,’ he said. ‘I think tax reform ought to be to lower the rate as far as you can and eliminate as many of these subsidies, all of the things that impede the ability, in a more dynamic way, to get to where we need to get, which is low-cost energy that is respectful of the environment.’” [The Hill – 7/24/15]

Bush Declined TO Attend A Koch Summit Due To A “Scheduling Conflict.”

New York Times: “An Invitation-Only Group Of 2016 Hopefuls Will Travel To A Resort Near Palm Springs, Calif., For The Koch Brothers’ Annual Winter Seminar, Kicking Off The So-Called Koch Primary.” According to the New York Times, “Perhaps no organization commands more deference in Republican politics nowadays than the sprawling operation established by the Koch brothers. And this week, the intense competition among Republicans for their embrace and attention will break out into the open. An invitation-only group of 2016 hopefuls will travel to a resort near Palm Springs, Calif., for the Koch brothers’ annual winter seminar, kicking off the so-called Koch primary.” [New York Times,1/20/15]

New York Times: Senators Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, And Marco Rubio Are Expected To Attend The Koch Summit. According to the New York Times, “Mr. Cruz, Mr. Paul and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida have all received invitations to the event and are expected to attend. Other invited Republicans include Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin and Jeb Bush, the former governor of Florida, who is not expected to make it because of a scheduling conflict.” [New York Times, 1/20/15]

Gov. Scott Walker Was Also Invited, And Jeb Bush Received An Invitation But Is Not Expected To Attend Due To A Scheduling Conflict. According to the New York Times, “Mr. Cruz, Mr. Paul and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida have all received invitations to the event and are expected to attend. Other invited Republicans include Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin and Jeb Bush, the former governor of Florida, who is not expected to make it because of a scheduling conflict.” [New York Times, 1/20/15]

Jeb Bush “Hasn’t Attended The High-Profile Donor Summits The Kochs Host Near Palm Springs, Calif., Though He Was Invited This Year.” According to Bloomberg Politics, “Another high-profile contender, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, hasn’t attended the high-profile donor summits the Kochs host near Palm Springs, Calif., though he was invited this year.” [Bloomberg Politics, 2/17/15]

Jeb Bush Attended The Iowa Agriculture Summit, Hosted By Bruce Rastetter

The Host of The “Iowa Agriculture Summit,” Bruce Rastetter, “Provided The Seed Money For American Future Fund.” According to the National Journal, “Nearly all of the GOP’s top presidential prospects will flock to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in March at the request of one man: Bruce Rastetter. […] And so, the guest list for Rastetter’s ‘Iowa Agriculture Summit’ is a who’s-who of contenders for 2016: As of Thursday, the list includes Jeb Bush, Chris Christie, Ted Cruz, Mike Huckabee, Scott Walker, Rick Perry, Rick Santorum and George Pataki. […] And at a national level, he provided the seed money for American Future Fund, which has been one of the top-spending outside groups in recent election cycles, when the nonprofit group formed in 2008.” [National Journal, 2/12/15]

Rastetter’s Iowa Agriculture Summit Is Expected To Be Attended By Jeb Bush, Chris Christie, Ted Cruz, Mike Huckabee, Scott Walker, Rick Perry, Rick Santorum, George Pataki And Possibly Marco Rubio. And so, the guest list for [Bruce] Rastetter’s ‘Iowa Agriculture Summit’ is a who’s-who of contenders for 2016: As of Thursday, the list includes Jeb Bush, Chris Christie, Ted Cruz, Mike Huckabee, Scott Walker, Rick Perry, Rick Santorum and George Pataki. Marco Rubio’s camp says he hopes to attend the summit, but he has a wedding in the family scheduled the same day.” [National Journal, 2/12/15]

JEB BUSH’S ADDITIONAL LONGSTANDING TIES TO THE KOCH NETWORK THROUGH ALEC AND STATE POLICY NETWORK AFFILIATES

Koch Control And Funding Of ALEC And The State Policy Network

KOCHS HAD DECADES-LONG CONNECTIONS WITH ALEC, CHARLES KOCH PROVIDED “SUPPORT” FOR ALEC; KOCH FOUNDATION KEPT ALEC AFLOAT WITH $400,000 LOAN

David Koch Acknowledged That His Family “Exerts Tight Ideological Control” Over The Organizations They Fund. “Many of the organizations funded by the Kochs employ specialists who write position papers that are subsequently quoted by politicians and pundits. David Koch has acknowledged that the family exerts tight ideological control. ‘If we’re going to give a lot of money, we’ll make darn sure they spend it in a way that goes along with our intent,’ he told Doherty. ‘And if they make a wrong turn and start doing things we don’t agree with, we withdraw funding.’” [The New Yorker, 8/30/10]

Charles Koch Said That He Provided “Support” for ALEC, Pacific Research Institute, Heartland Institute, Reason, Competitive Enterprise Institute, Among Others. “I provided the seed money for the Institute for Justice, and support for a wide range of other market-oriented organizations including National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA), American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), Pacific Research Institute, Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty, Fraser Institute, Reason Magazine, Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), and Heartland Institute.” [Creating A Science of Liberty, 1/11/1997]

One Of ALEC’s “Long-Term Liabilities” In 1998 Included A $400,000 Loan From The Koch Foundation. According to ALEC’s 1998 Business Plan, “Entering 1998, ALEC’s unaudited balance sheet is currently estimated to reflect $1,727,890 in current assets, including cash of $1,300,000, and $1,266,357 in current liabilities, including accounts payable of $600,000, state scholarships of $368,546, a line of credit for $150,000, and the current portion of certain equipment lease obligations totaling $72,000 . The long-term liabilities total $700,000 and include $440,000 to the Koch Foundation, $70,000 to the Tax Education Support Organization, deferred rent liability of $92,000, and the non-current portion of certain equipment lease obligations, totaling $72,000 .” [ALEC, 11/24/97]

Center for Public Integrity: “The Koch Brothers Have Decades-Long Connections With ALEC,” Gave Brothers Award In 1994. According to The Center for Public Integrity: “The Koch brothers have decades-long connections with ALEC, which gave the brothers the Adam Smith Free Enterprise Award in 1994.” [The Center for Public Integrity, 1/31/2013]

ALEC LAUNCHED THE MADISON GROUP IN 1986, WHICH WAS RENAMED TO THE STATE POLICY NETWORK IN 1992

State Policy Network “Originated In 1986 As The Madison Group” Before Changing Name In 1992. According to State Policy Network’s website, “State Policy Network originated in 1986 as the Madison Group, an informal confederation of the state think tanks and their supporters named after the Madison Hotel in Washington, DC, where they first met. In 1992, SPN was established as an independent 501(c)(3) educational organization providing services to its members – the state-focused, free market think tanks and their national think tank partners. At that time, the goal was to encourage cooperation and collaboration among the fledgling state think tank movement, maintaining a basic schedule of meetings and providing advisory services as needed during its first five years of operations. The state policy research community rapidly grew and matured during the 1990s, SPN’s Board of Directors realized the need for a stronger organization that would provide additional services. After extensive discussions, the existing Board took a bold and historic step in September 1998, dissolving itself and appointing a transitional Board to fulfill the broader role envisioned for the organization.” [SPN.org, Viewed 1/30/14]

The State Policy Network Was Previously Known As The Madison Group, Was Launched In 1986 By ALEC And Housed In The Chicago-Based Heartland Institute. According to the National Committee for Responsible Philanthropy: “The think tanks are loosely affiliated through the Madison Group, launched by the American Legislative Exchange Council or ALEC (see story, pf 20) and housed in the Chicago-based Heartland Institute. Founded in 1986, the Madison Group acts as a communication link among its 79members, which include not only state think tanks, but also conservative legal foundations and national groups like ALEC, Heritage Foundation and the National Rifle Association.” [National Committee for Responsible Philanthropy, Special Report: Burgeoning Conservative Think Tanks, Spring 1991]

Multiple Members of The Madison Group Were Koch-Founded Or Koch-Controlled Organizations

Multiple Members of The Madison Group Were Koch-Founded Or Koch-Controlled Organizations, Including Citizens for a Sound Economy, Institute for Humane Studies, Reason Foundation, Pacific Research Institute, Heartland Institute, And The Competitive Enterprise Institute. [National Committee for Responsible Philanthropy, Special Report: Burgeoning Conservative Think Tanks, Spring 1991]

The James Madison Institute Was A Member of The Madison Group As of At Least 1991. [National Committee for Responsible Philanthropy, Special Report: Burgeoning Conservative Think Tanks, Spring 1991]

ALEC AND SPN ARE “SISTER ORGANIZATIONS” THAT COORDINATE EXTENSIVELY BEHIND CLOSED DOORS DESPITE CLAIMS OF INDEPENDENCE

The Guardian: State Policy Network Is “Sister Organization” of ALEC. According to The Guardian: “One of its former executives was Ted Cruz, now US senator for Texas, who today is the keynote speaker at the national conference in Washington of SPN’s sister organisation, the American Legislative Exchange Council (Alec).” [Guardian, 12/5/13]

SPN President Insists Think Tanks Are “Fiercely Independent” But Evidence Indicates That They Coordinate Extensively. According to the New Yorker, “According to a new investigative report by the Center for Media and Democracy, a liberal watchdog group, however, the think tanks are less free actors than a coordinated collection of corporate front groups—branch stores, so to speak—funded and steered by cash from undisclosed conservative and corporate players. Although the think tanks have largely operated under the radar, the cumulative enterprise is impressively large, according to the report. In 2011, the network funneled seventy-nine million dollars into promoting conservative policies at the state level. Tracie Sharp, the president of the S.P.N., promptly dismissed the report as ‘baseless allegations.’ She told Politico, ‘There is no governing organization dictating what free market think tanks research or how they educate the public about good public policy.’ But notes provided to The New Yorker on what was said during the S.P.N.’s recent twenty-first-annual meeting raise doubts about Sharp’s insistence that each of the think tanks is, as she told me, ‘fiercely independent.’ The notes show that, behind closed doors, meeting with some eight hundred people from the affiliated state think tanks, Sharp compared the organization’s model to that of the giant global chain IKEA.” [New Yorker, 11/15/13]

State Policy Network Members’ Combined 2011 Fundraising Was Over $83 Million And Included “Major” Koch Money. According to the Huffington Post, “In 2011, the State Policy Network and its affiliates reported raising a combined $83.2 million, according to the Center for Media and Democracy. While donors to the groups are not required to be disclosed, a 2010 document opened a window on some of them. They included the Donors Trust and the Donors Capital Fund, both secretive right-wing funding instruments, as well as Altria, AT&T, Comcast, GlaxoSmithKline, Kraft Foods, Microsoft, Reynolds American and Time Warner Cable. Multiple documents reviewed in the report also show that the Koch brothers, known for their extensive funding of conservative activist causes, are major funders of the State Policy Network and its affiliates through their linked foundations and Koch Industries. Many other wealthy conservatives have likewise pumped money into the network, including the DeVos family of Amway, the Coors brewing family, the Waltons of Walmart, and wealthy businessman (and North Carolina budget director) Art Pope.” [Huffington Post, 11/14/13]

State Policy Network Is An ALEC Member And Its Think Tanks Submit Model Legislation For Approval At ALEC. According to the Huffington Post, “The State Policy Network and many of its most active affiliates are members of ALEC, the secretive organization that brings corporations, conservative activists and state legislators together to write model state legislation. The network has also routinely sponsored ALEC’s annual meetings. […] The think tanks in the State Policy Network also write model legislation and introduce it at private ALEC meetings to be vetted and approved for broader dissemination to statehouses, according to the [Center for Media and Democracy] report.” [Huffington Post, 11/14/13]

THE JAMES MADISON INSTITUTE’S LONG TIES TO THE MADISON GROUP AND STATE POLICY NETWORK

Orlando Weekly’s Edward Ericson: “The Madison Institute Is Not A Non-Partisan, Non-Political Idea Mill, But A Sophisticated Mouthpiece For Five Of The State’s Largest Businesses.” According to an opinion by Edward Ericson Jr. for the Orlando Weekly, “But a look at the Madison Institute’s funding sources, matched with the ideas promulgated in its research papers, and finally the bills proffered and laws passed by the Legislature, reveal a compelling pattern. In short, the Madison Institute is not a non-partisan, non-political idea mill, but a sophisticated mouthpiece for five of the state’s largest businesses, including Florida’s largest land owner. The institute is also part of a national network of right-wing public policy centers pushing legislation in every state. None of which should be particularly shocking, but for this: It’s illegal.” [Edward Ericson Jr. – Orlando Weekly, 4/27/98]

Ericson: “The Institute Is Also Part Of A National Network Of Right-Wing Public Policy Centers Pushing Legislation In Every State.” According to an opinion by Edward Ericson Jr. for the Orlando Weekly, “But a look at the Madison Institute’s funding sources, matched with the ideas promulgated in its research papers, and finally the bills proffered and laws passed by the Legislature, reveal a compelling pattern. In short, the Madison Institute is not a non-partisan, non-political idea mill, but a sophisticated mouthpiece for five of the state’s largest businesses, including Florida’s largest land owner. The institute is also part of a national network of right-wing public policy centers pushing legislation in every state. None of which should be particularly shocking, but for this: It’s illegal.” [Edward Ericson Jr. – Orlando Weekly, 4/27/98]

The State Policy Network Was Founded By Ed Fuelner, The Founding Director Of The Heritage Foundation, In 1984 As “The Madison Group.” According to an opinion by Edward Ericson Jr. in the Orlando Weekly, “In 1984, Ed Fuelner, founding director of the Heritage Foundation, the Washington-based granddaddy of right-wing think tanks, decided that his group’s anti-federal ideology needed a companion force to shape lawmaking in the states as federal programs were cut and responsibilities ‘devolved’ to the state level. He envisioned a national network of mini-Heritages that would carry the gospel of ‘free market’ and conservative reforms to state policymakers who, with smaller and less worldly research staffs — and no countervailing ideas from the left (or even the center) — would more likely adopt Heritage ideas wholesale. It worked. By 1990, 74 state-level ‘think tanks’ had set up shop in 29 states, including 55 as part of a network called ‘The Madison Group.’” [Edward Ericson Jr. – Orlando Weekly, 4/27/98]

Ericson: A Member Of The State Policy Network “By Law ‘Does Not Attempt To Aid Or Hinder The Passage Of Any Legislation.’” According to an opinion by Edward Ericson Jr. in the Orlando Weekly, “‘We simply will not have power on the national level until we declare war on state legislatures,’ said Don Eberly, president of the Harrisburg, Pa.-based Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives, in an address to the Heritage Foundation in 1990. The Commonwealth Foundation is a member of the Madison Group (now called The State Policy Network, with 54 members), and, like other members, by law ‘does not attempt to aid or hinder the passage of any legislation.’” [Edward Ericson Jr. – Orlando Weekly, 4/27/98]

Ericson: Members Of The James Madison Institute’s Board Had “Parallel Interests In Such Timeless Principles In Reduced Taxes On The Rich, Privatization Of Government Services And Weaker Land Regulation.” According to an opinion by Edward Ericson Jr. for the Orlando Weekly, “Even while funding the institute, some donors lend executives to its board of directors. In 1995 that board included Hoyt Robinson Barnett, vice president of Publix Supermarkets; the late A.D. Davis, of the Winn-Dixie chain; and Jacob C. Belin, the former chairman and still a director of St. Joe. As representatives of some of Florida’s most powerful businesses, these men have parallel interests in such timeless principles as reduced taxes on the rich, privatization of government services and weaker land regulation.” [Edward Ericson Jr. – Orlando Weekly, 4/27/98]

Ericson: “As If By Some ‘Mystical Process,’ The Madison Institute’s Advice Pushes Primarily For Those Things.” According to an opinion by Edward Ericson Jr. in the Orlando Weekly, “As if by some ‘mystical process,’ the Madison Institute’s advice pushes primarily for those things. But instead of Jacob Belin telling legislators what he wants, Randall G. Holcombe does it for him. Holcombe is chairman of the Madison Institute’s Research Advisory Council and an economics professor at Florida State University. He is an ‘expert’ whose opinion on matters like taxation, presumed to be the result of pure scholarly inquiry, carries more weight than that of a mere rich guy. In effect, the think tanks allow some of Florida’s, and America’s, wealthiest special interests to cloak their policies in the garb of scientific reason, common sense and populism. And they get a tax write-off for doing it.” [Edward Ericson Jr. – Orlando Weekly, 4/27/98]

Ericson: Think Tanks Like JMI “Allow Some Of Florida’s… Wealthiest Special Interests To Cloak Their Policies In The Garb Of Scientific Reason, Common Sense And Populism. And They Get A Tax Write-Off For Doing It.” According to an opinion by Edward Ericson Jr. in the Orlando Weekly, “As if by some ‘mystical process,’ the Madison Institute’s advice pushes primarily for those things. But instead of Jacob Belin telling legislators what he wants, Randall G. Holcombe does it for him. Holcombe is chairman of the Madison Institute’s Research Advisory Council and an economics professor at Florida State University. He is an ‘expert’ whose opinion on matters like taxation, presumed to be the result of pure scholarly inquiry, carries more weight than that of a mere rich guy. In effect, the think tanks allow some of Florida’s, and America’s, wealthiest special interests to cloak their policies in the garb of scientific reason, common sense and populism. And they get a tax write-off for doing it.” [Edward Ericson Jr. – Orlando Weekly, 4/27/98]

Ericson: “The Institute Has Taken The Lead In Putting Several Issues Before The Legislature.” According to an opinion by Edward Ericson Jr. in the Orlando Weekly, “Although not every Madison Institute position paper is draft legislation serving the interests of Big Land, the institute has taken the lead in putting several issues before the Legislature.” [Edward Ericson Jr. – Orlando Weekly, 4/27/98]

Jeb Bush’s Longstanding Ties To The Koch-Backed James Madison Institute

BUSH SERVED ON BOARD OF JAMES MADISON INSTITUTE FROM 1990-1993, UNTIL HIS FIRST RUN FOR GOVERNOR

Gov. Jeb Bush Was A Member Of The JMI Board Of Directors From 1990-1993. According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, The Honorable Jeb Bush, Miami served on the JMI Board of Directors from 1990 to 1993. [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

JMI Noted That 3 People Had Been Elected To Florida Leadership After Serving On JMI’s Board, Including Jeb Bush, Tom Feeney, And Don Gaetz. According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “Jeb Bush, Tom Feeney, and Don Gaetz: From JMI’s Board to Leadership Roles[…] Principled leadership doesn’t happen by accident. It is a lifetime commitment. That can certainly be said of many of the leaders who have served on The James Madison Institute’s board of directors over the past twenty-five years.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

JMI: “While Most Of JMI’s Board Members Have No Inclination To Go Into Elected Office, A Few Have. But Before They Became Known To Most Floridians, They Took An Active Role In The Governance Of The Institute.” According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “While most of JMI’s board members have no inclination to go into elected office, a few have. But before they became known to most Floridians, they took an active role in the governance of the Institute.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

Bush Joined JMI’s Board When He Was 37 And “At The Time Of His Departure,” His Father Had Recently Lost His Re-Election Bid “But A New Star In The Bush Family Was On The Rise.” According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “In 1990, at the age of 37, Jeb Bush joined JMI’s board of directors, a post he would serve in until 1993. At the time of his departure from JMI’s board, his father, President George H.W. Bush, had recently lost a re-election bid, but a new star in the Bush family was on the rise.” [JMI Annual Report,4/12/13]

JMI: Bush “Is Often Recognized As One Of Florida’s Greatest And Most Accomplished Governors.” According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “Later, Bush would run for office again, winning the 1998 election for governor and serving two terms. He is often recognized as one of Florida’s greatest and most accomplished governors. Due to his commitment to furthering school choice and other educational reforms across the nation, and being the son and brother of two former Presidents, he has become a national leader in the conservative movement.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

James Madison Institute Launched School Choice Group Co-Chaired By Bush In 1991

Jeb Bush Served As Co-Chair Of Floridians For Education Choice, Which Was Formed By JMI, In 1991. According to the St. Petersburg Times, “Floridians for Educational Choice was formed in April by the James Madison Institute for Public Policy Studies, a conservative think tank in Tallahassee. The group is drumming up support for a school choice bill, which it hopes to push through the Legislature next session. One of the co-chairs of the group is Jeb Bush, son of President Bush, who has long espoused private school choice.” [St. Petersburg Times, 9/22/91]

1994: St. Petersburg Times Called JMI Jeb Bush’s “Favorite Right-Wing Think-Tank” During His First Run for Governor

The St. Petersburg Times Referred To JMI As “Bush’s Favorite Right-Wing Think-Tank” In 1994. According to the St. Petersburg Times, “That curious exception could be significant, given that [Jeb] Bush’s favorite right-wing think-tank, the James Madison Institute of Tallahassee, has now come out with a report calling for repeal of Florida’s intangibles tax.” [St. Petersburg Times, 10/11/94]

BETWEEN GUBERNATORIAL RUNS, BUSH’S FOUNDATION FOR FLORIDA’S FUTURE AND JAMES MADISON INSTITUTE CO-HOSTED AND FUNDED EACH OTHER’S INITIATIVES

Jeb Bush’s Organization Supported A JMI-Hosted Conference Featuring Margaret Thatcher, Called “Reclaiming America’s Moral & Cultural Heritage.” According to the St. Petersburg Times, “Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is scheduled to visit the Clearwater area next month to speak at a conference on ‘Reclaiming America’s Moral & Cultural Heritage.’ Why ask a retired foreign head of state to discuss America’s moral course? ‘Lady Thatcher has established herself as a world leader,’ said John Clendenin, director of communications for the James Madison Institute, which is sponsoring the conference […]Other supporters of the conference include the Foundation for Florida’s Freedom, which 1994 Republican governor candidate Jeb Bush helped found, and the Christian Coalition.” [St. Petersburg Times, 3/20/96]

A Former Employee Of Bush’s Foundation for Florida’s Future Started The Charter Foundation, Which Received Its First Donation From The James Madison Institute.According to the Florida Times-Union, “Jonathan Hage, chairman and president of The Charter Foundation, hopes to raise $ 521,000 from businesses to pay for its activities, including the issuance of grants of about $ 25,000 to each of 10 particularly needy schools. Hage was formerly with Foundation for Florida’s Future, the group started by Jeb Bush that was involved in starting a charter school in Miami. Stanley Marshall of the James Madison Institute in Tallahassee handed Hage a $ 25,000 check yesterday as the first cash installment toward its budget.” [Florida Times-Union, 8/27/96]

1997: Foundation for Florida’s Future and James Madison Institute Co-Sponsored Legislative Workshop That Florida Legislators Were Given The Day Off To Attend

JMI And FFF Co-Sponsored A Legislative Workshop That Florida Legislators Were Given The Day Off To Attend. According to the St. Petersburg Times, “State Rep. Lars Hafner was stunned when he got his schedule for legislative committee meetings next week. Nothing was on the state House calendar for Tuesday, even though lawmakers will be in the capital all day at taxpayer expense. Why the blank schedule? Republican House Speaker Dan Webster wants to give lawmakers the opportunity to go to a legislative workshop co-sponsored by a foundation led by Jeb Bush, Florida’s most prominent Republican. […] Bush’s Foundation for Florida’s Future and the James Madison Institute will co-sponsor the legislative workshop Tuesday at Tallahassee’s civic center.” [St. Petersburg Times, 1/3/97]

BUSH PERSONALLY APPROVED MERGER OF HIS OWN THINK TANK WITH JAMES MADISON INSTITUTE DURING HIS GUBERNATORIAL TENURE, JMI SPUN BUSH’S FOUNDATION BACK OFF FOR HIM AFTER END OF SECOND TERM

After Bush Was Elected In 1998, Bush Approved a Merger of Foundation for Florida’s Future With The James Madison Institute

JMI: Foundation For Florida’s Future And JMI “Collaborated On A Number Of Efforts,” JMI Founder Stanley Marshall Was Founding Member Of Board Of FoundationAccording to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “FFF and JMI collaborated on a number of efforts. Dr. Stanley Marshall served on the Foundation’s board of directors from the beginning and Jeb [Bush] served on JMI’s board of directors in the early 1990s.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

After Bush Left FFF To Run For Governor, JMI And FFF “With Jeb’s Encouragement, Discussed More Seriously A Possible Merger.” According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “When Jeb [Bush] announced his campaign for Governor in 1997, he was succeeded as FFF chairman by Jacksonville Mayor John Delaney. Shortly after, Mayor Delaney and Dr. Marshall, with Jeb’s encouragement, discussed more seriously a possible merger.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

JMI: “This Merger Took Place Only Weeks After Jeb Became Governor And He Expressed His Endorsement Of The Merger.” According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “This merger took place only weeks after Jeb [Bush] became Governor and he expressed his endorsement of the merger.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

Gov. Jeb Bush: “The Foundation And JMI Have Worked Together For Years To Promote Sound Public Policy In Florida…The New Organization Will Have An Even Greater Impact Throughout The State.” According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “This merger took place only weeks after Jeb [Bush] became Governor and he expressed his endorsement of the merger. ‘The Foundation and JMI have worked together for years to promote sound public policy in Florida,’ he said. ‘“I am proud of what both of these groups have accomplished and know that by combining staff and resources, the new organization will have an even greater impact throughout the state.’” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

Stanley Marshall: “Both Organizations Stand For Pretty Much The Same Things – Economic Freedom, Limited And Effective Government, Individual Liberty Coupled With Responsibility, Traditional Western Values, Free Markets.” According to the Associated Press, “The James Madison Institute, founded in 1987 by former Florida State University President Stanley Marshall, is taking over the Jacksonville-based Foundation for Florida’s Future, which [Jeb] Bush established. The merged organization will carry both names – ‘The James Madison Institute: A Foundation for Florida’s Future.’ ‘We think combining the resources of the two organizations will enable us to do a better job and do it more efficiently,’ Marshall said Friday. ‘Both organizations stand for pretty much the same things – economic freedom, limited and effective government, individual liberty coupled with responsibility, traditional Western values, free markets, and the use of the market in preference to more government to affect change.’” [AP, 2/13/99]

James Madison Institute Founder Stan Marshall Emailed Bush To Recruit The Foundation For Florida’s Future to Join The State Policy Network Before End of Bush’s Term, Bush Agreed to Meeting

Stan Marshall Asked Bush To Meet To Discuss “The Think Tanks That Comprise The State Policy Network, And Whether There Might Be Any Symbiotic Relationship Between” The Foundation For Florida’s Future And SPN. According to an email from Stanley Marshall to Gov. Jeb Bush on August 7, 2006, “Another topic I’d like to touch on is the emerging strength of the think tanks that comprise the State Policy Network, and whether there might be any symbiotic relationship between FFFF and SPN.” [Stanley Marshall Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 8/7/06]

Jeb Bush Email To Stan Marshall: “I Would Love To Visit With You.” According to an email from Gov. Jeb Bush to Stanley Marshall on August 7, 2006, “thank you Stan. I would love to visit with you. Jeb” [Gov. Jeb Bush Email to Stanley Marshall, 8/7/06]

After Bush’s Term Ended, The James Madison Institute “Released” The Foundation for Florida’s Future, And Bush Returned to Serve as Chairman

After Bush’s Term As Governor Ended, JMI “Released” FFF, Where Bush Returned To Serve As Chair. According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “After Jeb left the Governor’s mansion in January 2007, JMI ‘released’ the Foundation and Jeb returned to serve as its chairman. JMI and FFF have both grown substantially since that time and continue to work together to promote education reform in Florida and beyond.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

BUSH ENGAGED HEAVILY WITH THE JAMES MADISON INSTITUTE DURING AND AFTER TENURE AS GOVERNOR

Then-Vice President George Bush Letter To JMI: “I Have Heard Many Good Things About The Madison Institute, From My Son, Jeb.” According to a letter from George Bush contained in JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “Dear Dr. Marshall: I have heard many good things about the Madison Institute from my son, Jeb, and many others. You and your colleagues are to be commended for your fine work. By promoting sound, innovative approaches to public policy, the Madison Institute will help ensure the continuation of vibrant economic growth in the southeast and throughout the nation. I hope our paths cross soon. Many best wishes.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

Political Blogger Peter Schorsch: “Men Such As Jeb Bush And Marco Rubio Owe Some Part Of Their Careers To The Path” That Was “Blazed” By James Madison Institute Founder Dr. J. Stanley Marshall. According to an opinion by political blogger Peter Schorsch in the Sun-Sentinel, “He [James Madison Institute Founder Dr. J. Stanley Marshall] became the Barry Goldwater and the William Buckley of Florida’s conservative movement. He created a home for conservative political thought in a state that had come to be dominated by men such as Reuben Askew and Lawton Chiles. Men such as Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio owe some part of their careers to the path Marshall blazed. Marshall ran for office himself and lost badly but proudly, challenging the education establishment he has feuded with his entire career. But again, it’s not about what Marshall did.” [Peter Schorsch – Sun Sentinel, 3/18/13]

Bush Staff Edited A JMI Paper On Tax Policy at Request of JMI President

Bush Staff Edited A JMI Paper After JMI President Ed Moore Sent It To Them To Review. According to an email from Bush staffer Donna Arduin to Gov. Jeb Bush, “Don has made one technical edit/Greg is reviewing also —–Original Message—– From: Ed Moore [mailto:emoore@jamesmadison.org] Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2002 4:54 PM To: Arduin, Donna Subject: Fw: tax Donna Please do me a favor and read this draft as a peer review expert on the impact of tax policy on Florida. We would like to publish this quickly so please review sooner if possible. Thanks for your help. Ed” [Donna Arduin Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 4/17/02]

Bush Wrote Article for Fall 2006 Issue of James Madison Institute Journal Titled “For My Successor: Five Lessons I Learned As Governor.”

Gov. Jeb Bush Wrote An Article For The Fall 2006 Journal Of The James Madison Institute Titled “For My Successor: Five Lessons I Learned As Governor.” [Jeb Bush – Journal of the James Madison Institute, Fall 2006]

THE VICE CHAIR OF BOTH JAMES MADISON INSTITUTE AND FOUNDATION FOR FLORIDA’S FUTURE SAID TO HAVE HAD “THE EAR OF GOV. JEB BUSH.”

Linda Gill Served As Vice Chair Of The James Madison Institute And Foundation For Florida’s Future, And The Sun-Sentinel Said She Had “The Ear Of Gov. Jeb Bush.”According to the Sun-Sentinel, “LINDA L. GILL Age: 49. Profession/Position: Hotel operator. Resume: Vice president, Gill Hotels, which owns and runs the Sheraton Yankee Clipper and Trader hotels on Fort Lauderdale beach; was instrumental ending the raucous Spring Break image and turning Fort Lauderdale into a more upscale resort; board member FLA USA; chair-elect, Greater Fort Lauderdale Lodging & Hospitality Association; vice chair, James Madison Institute/Foundation for Florida’s Future, a think tank extremely influential with the Republicans in the Legislature; trustee, Nova Southeastern University; past president, Broward Women’s Alliance. Clout: A Republican who can get things done even in a county run by Democrats, she has the ear of Gov. Jeb Bush.” [Sun-Sentinel, 6/30/02]

Gov. Jeb Bush Cited A JMI Poll In Justifying Changes Made To Florida’s Election System. According to the Associated Press, “A recent survey by the Collins Center for Public Policy and the James Madison Institute showed most Florida voters are satisfied with the state’s election reform measures. ‘While a recent Collins Center survey indicated that nine out of 10 Floridians enjoy restored confidence in our electoral system, we will not rest on our laurels,’ [Jeb] Bush said. ‘We must remain eternally vigilant in safeguarding the voting rights of every Floridian by continuing to strive for perfect elections.’” [AP, 11/18/02]

Former Citizens for a Sound Economy Staffer Joyce Malone Moved to Job As Director Of External Affairs For The James Madison Institute

Joyce Malone Served As Director Of External Affairs For The James Madison Institute. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Carole Jean Jordan, chairman of the state Republican Party, has announced two recent appointments. Geoffrey Becker, deputy secretary for the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation, has been named executive director for political affairs. He will direct the party’s political efforts for the 2004 election. Joyce Malone, who has served as director of external affairs for the James Madison Institute, has been named director for party development and membership affairs. She will direct the party’s grass roots efforts.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 3/9/03]

2002: Bush Emailed Approval of A Quote In His Name For JMI

Jeb Bush Was Asked To Approve A Quote In His Name Stating “The James Madison Institute Has Been A Beacon Of Conservative Thought In Florida. It Has Aged Gracefully, Providing The Bush/Brogan Administration A Fountain Of Innovative Ideas.” According to an email from Brian Yablonski to Gov. Jeb Bush on May 13, 2002, “Governor, are you okay with quote for JMI birthday card: ‘The James Madison Institute has been a beacon of conservative thought in Florida. It has aged gracefully, providing the Bush/Brogan Administration a fountain of innovative ideas to improve the quality of life for Floridians. Happy Birthday, JMI!’” [Brian Yablonski Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 5/13/02]

Bush Response: “Yes” According to an email from Gov. Jeb Bush to Brian Yablonski on May 13, 2002, “Yes” [Gov. Jeb Bush Email to Brian Yablonski, 5/13/02]

Bush Emailed James Madison Institute Founder Stanley Marshall By Nickname

Bush Called JMI Founder Stanley Marshall “Stan The Man” In An Email. According to an email from Gov. Jeb Bush to JMI Founder Stanley Marshall on 11/2/99, “Thanks stan the man. Jeb” [Gov. Jeb Bush Email to Stanley Marshall, 11/2/99]

February 2006: Koch-Backed ALEC and State Policy Network Affiliate In Washington State Attempted to Offer Invitation to Annual Banquet, Grant Jeb Bush An Award

The Washington Policy Center Emailed Gov. Jeb Bush To Invite Him To A Dinner To Award Him The Annual Columbia Award; The James Madison Institute Was CCed On The Email. According to an email from Daniel Mead Smith to Gov. Jeb Bush on February 16, 2006, “Washington Policy Center would like to recognize your strong leadership and commitment to free-market and conservative principles with our 2006 Columbia Award. The presentation of this annual award will take place at our Annual Dinner held in your honor in Seattle. The Dinner, which draws our supporters, our state’s business and community leaders, and elected officials, is scheduled for this fall, and would be designed around your schedule.” [Daniel Mead Smith Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 2/16/06]

Daniel Mead Smith, President of Washington Policy Center: “You May Be Familiar With Our Organization Through Your Association With The James Madison Institute In Florida, Which Is A Fellow State Policy Network Member.” According to an email from Daniel Mead Smith to Gov. Jeb Bush on February 16, 2006, “You may be familiar with our organization through your association with the James Madison Institute in Florida, which is a fellow State Policy Network member. We work on similar issues and our founder, John Carlson, started our organization at about the same time Stan Marshall started the James Madison Institute.” [Daniel Mead Smith Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 2/16/06]

Bush Response, CCed to JMI: “Thank You. I Will Look Into Whether Or Not I Can Make It. I Am Honored That You Have Considered Me With Such An Honor.”According to an email from Gov. Jeb Bush to Daniel Mead Smith on February 16, 2006, “thank you. I will look into whether I can make it. I am honored that you have considered me with such an honor. Jeb” [Gov. Jeb Bush Email to Daniel Mead Smith, 2/16/06]

Bush’s Staffers Sent Him Email Briefings On Results of Meetings With President, Board Members of James Madison Institute

Bush Received Email Briefing On Staffer’s Meeting with JMI President, Including News That JMI Would Begin Replicating CSE’s Grassroots Organizing Work

Staffer Email To Jeb Bush, Subject “JMI”: “Was Meeting With Ed Moore On A Range Of Issues Yesterday.” According to an email from staffer Brian Yablonski to Gov. Jeb Bush on July 17, 2002. “Was meeting with Ed Moore on a range of issues yesterday. He mentioned that they hired Joyce Malone from CSE and indicated that JMI is going to be getting into more grassroots efforts, much like CSE did. Joyce will be based out of Orlando still. this is good news.” [Brian Yablonski Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 7/17/02]

Ed Moore Was President Of The James Madison Institute. According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “In 2000, JMI selected Ed Moore to become its President. […] From the time he took over leadership in 2004, [J. Robert] McClure has catapulted JMI onto a whole new stage.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

Staffer Email To Jeb Bush: JMI “Hired Joyce Malone From CSE And Indicated That JMI Is Going To Be Getting Into More Grassroots Efforts, Much Like CSE Did… This Is Good News.” According to an email from staffer Brian Yablonski to Gov. Jeb Bush on July 17, 2002, “Was meeting with Ed Moore on a range of issues yesterday. He mentioned that they hired Joyce Malone from CSE and indicated that JMI is going to be getting into more grassroots efforts, much like CSE did. Joyce will be based out of Orlando still. this is good news.” [Brian Yablonski Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 7/17/02]

Gov. Jeb Bush’s Chief Of Staff Kathleen Shanahan: “Great News.” According to an email from Gov. Jeb Bush’s Chief of Staff, Kathleen Shanahan to Brian Yablonski on July 18, 2002, “great news” [Kathleen Shanahan Email to Brian Yablonski, cc: Jeb Bush, 7/18/02]

Bush Received Email Briefing On Staffer’s Meeting with JMI Board Member, Plans for Future Meetings

Staffer Email To Gov. Jeb Bush In September 1999 Reported That He Had Met With JMI Board Member Marty Fiorentino And Planned Another Meeting With JMI “To Discuss Long Range Help” On Bush’s Agenda. According to an email from Brian Yablonski to Gov. Jeb Bush on September 5, 1999, “Subject: Marty Fiorentino We had a good, brief meeting on Friday. He is going to arrange another meeting where I can sit with him, Dr. Marshall and some of JMI’s (I mean the Foundations) other folks to discuss long range help. Off the top of my head on friday, I mentioned our needing some assistance with civil service reform (especially after the DMS meeting a couple weeks ago), the possibility of water markets and growth management reform (something Steve Seibert is shooting for in the 2001 session). I think assistance with a civil service reform project should be at the top of the list.” [Brian Yablonski Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 9/5/99]

Bush Appointed Campaign Fundraiser Marty Fiorentino To The Jacksonville Port Authority; Fiorentino Also Served On The Board Of The James Madison Institute. According to the St. Petersburg Times, “Marty Fiorentino. A CSX executive when he became a Bush Pioneer, Fiorentino has since opened a lobbying firm with clients including CSX, the cruise ship industry and Jacksonville. He was chief of staff of the Federal Railroad Administration and counselor to the deputy secretary of transportation under the first President Bush. He was a major fundraiser for Gov. Bush’s two campaigns, and Bush appointed Fiorentino in 2001 to the Jacksonville Port Authority. Fiorentino also is on the board of the James Madison Institute, a Libertarian-leaning think tank in Tallahassee whose board includes several Pioneers.” [St. Petersburg Times, 6/22/03]

JMI President Ed Moore Sent Bush Staff A Randal Holcombe Piece To Review And Edit Before JMI Published It. According to an Email from Ed Moore to Bush Staffer Donna Arduin, “Donna Please do me a favor and read this draft as a peer review expert on the impact of tax policy on Florida. We would like to publish this quickly so please review sooner if possible. Thanks for your help. Ed —– Original Message —– From: “Randall Holcombe” holcombe@garnet.acns.fsu.edu> To: “Ed Moore” <emoore@jamesmadison.org> Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2002 3:23 PM Subject: Re: tax > Ed, Here’s a piece I wrote on the bonus depreciation allowance. Randy” [Ed Moore Email to Donna Arduin, 4/16/02]

Jeb Attended “Numerous” James Madison Institute Events – Including His First Public Remarks After The 2000 Recount

December 2000: Jeb Bush’s “First Public Remarks Just Days After” The 2000 Florida Recount Were At A James Madison Institute Dinner Banquet

Jeb Bush’s “First Public Remarks” After The 2000 Florida Recount Were At A JMI Dinner Banquet. According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “The dinner banquets included prominent guest speakers such as William Bennett, co-director of Empower America; Governor Jeb Bush, who spoke at the December 5, 2000 dinner — his first public remarks just days after Florida’s historic electoral recount; former U.S. Attorney General Ed Meese; and Richard DeVos, founder of Amway and owner of the Orlando Magic.” [JMI Annual Report,4/12/13]

Bush Attended A December 2000 Fundraiser For The James Madison Institute. According to the Ledger, “Two days before Florida’s newest crop of legislators get sworn into office — they will have a chance to dine in style with former U.S. Education Secretary William Bennett as well as a crop of lobbyists who pay anywhere from $ 150 to $ 250 a seat to sit next to them. Speaker-designate Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo, struck a deal with the Tallahassee-based James Madison Institute, a conservative think tank founded by a former Florida State University president, to have the organization do an intensive orientation for new members of the Florida House. Orientation sessions are nothing new for the House. But the institute doesn’t accept public money for any of its functions. […] Lobbyists aren’t allowed at the orientation — but they have been given the opportunity to buy seats and tables at Sunday’s fund-raiser as well as two more scheduled in December and January that coincide with other orientation sessions. The December fund-raiser will include Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating. Legislators get in for free to each of the fund-raisers.” [Ledger, 11/19/00]

January 2001: Bush Spoke At James Madison Institute Fundraiser, Was Praised In Emails For Receiving Award From Institute

Bush Received Email From Chair of Social Sciences At Florida Atlantic University Congratulating Him On Receiving Award From The James Madison Institute. According to an email from Dr. Marshall DeRosa, a professor and chair of the social sciences at Florida Atlantic University, to Gov. Jeb Bush on January 30, 2001, “Congratulations on your James Madison Institute Award. I attended the function and very much enjoyed your comments.” [Marshall DeRosa Email to Jeb Bush, 1/30/01]

Bush Spoke At The James Madison Institute In January 2001. According to the Miami Herald, “Bush – the governor, not the president – will be in town Monday. At 10 a.m., he and U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw will dedicate the Sandy Nininger Jr. State Veterans Nursing Home in Pembroke Pines. Lt. Alexander ‘Sandy’ Nininger, a 23-year-old Fort Lauderdale native, was the first recipient of the Medal of Honor in World War II. He died in 1942 while fighting in the Philippines and received the award posthumously. At 6 p.m., Bush will speak at the James Madison Institute reception about his priorities for the upcoming legislative session. The event will be at the Sheraton Yankee Trader Beach Hotel, 321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.” [Miami Herald, 1/27/01]

The Event Was A Fundraiser For JMI. According to the Miami Herald, “[Jeb] Bush spoke at the Sheraton Yankee Trader Beach Hotel at a $250-per-plate dinner to raise money for the James Madison Institute, a conservative think tank based in Tallahassee.” [Miami Herald, 1/30/01]

January 2006: James Madison Institute Held Private Reception for Institute Members and Guests Hosted By Bush At Florida Governor’s Mansion

In January 2006, JMI Held A “Private Reception For JMI Members And Guests Hosted By Gov. Jeb Bush At The Governor’s Mansion.” According to the Spring 2006 James Madison Institute Newsletter, “Kicking off with a private reception for JMI members and guests hosted by Gov. Jeb Bush at the Governor’s Mansion on the eve of the event, the Institute held an all day education summit on January 24th at the University Center Club on the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee. Over 200 legislators, education and business leaders, and front-line educators, as well as all the major media markets–print, radio and TV–were on hand for informative and thought-provoking insights from education experts from across the country.” [James Madison Institute Newsletter via archive.org, April 2006]

JMI’s 2013 Annual Report: “Florida Politicos Who Have Made Numerous Appearances At JMI Events Over The Years Include Jeb Bush, Bob Graham, Marco Rubio.”According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “Florida politicos who have made numerous appearances at JMI events over the years include Jeb Bush, Bob Graham, Marco Rubio, Tom Feeney, Allan Bense, Frank Brogan, Bill McCollum, Rick Scott, Pam Bondi, Jeff Atwater, Will Weatherford, and Don Gaetz.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

June 2008: Bush Jointly Hosted Summit With Foundation for Excellence In Education, James Madison Institute; Then Speaker Marco Rubio Publicly Praised Conference

Bush Hosted A “National Excellence In Action Summit At Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort With His Foundation For Excellence In Education, And The James Madison Institute” In June 2008. According to the Orlando Sentinel, “Everyone seems to be talking about change these days. This week, that includes a group of education reformers, with former Gov. Jeb Bush leading the way. Bush is launching a national initiative to make education reform a top priority for the country’s next president. He’s hosting a national Excellence in Action summit at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort with his Foundation for Excellence in Education, and The James Madison Institute, a conservative research group.” [Orlando Sentinel, 6/20/08]

Then-Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio On The June 2008 National Excellence In Action Summit: “I Appreciate The Innovations That Have Come Out Of This Conference.” According to the Orlando Sentinel, then-Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio stated the following on education reform and the National Excellence In Action Summit, “I think there needs to be a societal change. I appreciate the innovations that have come out of this conference.” [Orlando Sentinel, 6/20/08]

JAMES MADISON INSTITUTE BOARD MEMBER AL HOFFMAN

JMI Board Member Al Hoffman “Propelled Jeb Bush To The Florida Governor’s Mansion And Helped Steer His Brother, George, Into The White House.” According to Florida Today, “[Al] Hoffman, finance chairman of the Republican National Committee, isn’t just a kingmaker. He’s a dynasty builder, cemented as one of the Bush clan’s top advisors and closest friends. The chairman of WCI Inc., one of the country’s largest real estate development conglomerates, began his ascent to the presidential dais when he joined former President George Bush’s 1988 campaign as a ‘foot soldier.’ Fourteen years later, Hoffman, 67, is the GOP’s top money-man, having propelled Jeb Bush to the Florida governor’s mansion and helped steer his brother, George, into the White House. […] Community organizations: Chairman, Florida Council of 100, the governor’s advisory panel. Founding president, Ruth Eckerd Hall, a performing arts center in Clearwater. Founder of the Tampa Bay Polo Club. On the board of directors for the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and the James Madison Institute, a conservative think-tank.” [Florida Today, 1/13/02]

Hoffman Chaired Jeb Bush’s Foundation For Florida’s Future And Was Bush’s “Chief Fund-Raiser” For His 1998 Governor Run. According to Florida Today, “[Al] Hoffman also chaired [Jeb] Bush’s think-tank, the Foundation for Florida’s Future and once again tapped Hoffman to serve as chief fund-raiser in his 1998 gubernatorial campaign.” [Florida Today, 1/13/02]

President George H.W. Bush: “Al Hoffman Is A Friend Of Mine And A Friend Of Gov. Jeb Bush.” According to Florida Today, “‘Al Hoffman is a friend of mine and a friend of Gov. Jeb Bush,’ former President [George H.W.] Bush said from Houston. ‘The legendary energy he brings to business helps explain his effectiveness in the political arena.’” [Florida Today, 1/13/02]

Hoffman Chaired Jeb Bush’s “Top Group Of Policy Advisors, The Council Of 100, Consisting Of Florida’s Top CEOs.” According to Florida Today, “[Al] Hoffman’s career in business, politics, art and sports reveal a dashing character driven to succeed. The self-made millionaire is chief executive of a company that grosses more than $1 billion a year. He chairs Jeb Bush’s top group of policy advisors, the Council of 100, consisting of Florida’s top CEOs.” [Florida Today, 1/13/02]

Bush Asked Hoffman To Be His Finance Chairman For His First Gubernatorial Campaign In 1994. According to Florida Today, “In 1994, Jeb Bush asked [Al] Hoffman to be the finance chairman for his first, and unsuccessful, bid for governor.” [Florida Today, 1/13/02]

Bush Partnered In Real Estate Deals With Hoffman. According to Florida Today, “[Al] Hoffman’s relationship with Jeb Bush dates back to the governor’s stint as commerce secretary from 1987 to 1988 under former Gov. Bob Martinez. Later, Bush and his partner, Miami developer Armando Codina, partnered in real estate deals with Hoffman.” [Florida Today, 1/13/02]

In 1995 Hoffman “Bailed” Bush’s Former Real Estate Partner Armando Codina Out Of A “Failed Luxury Golf Community In Coral Gables Devastated By Hurricane Andrew.” According to Florida Today, “In 1995, [Al] Hoffman bailed [Jeb] Bush’s former partner [Armando] Codina out of a failed luxury golf community in Coral Gables devastated by Hurricane Andrew. By then, Codina already had bought Jeb Bush out of the $32 million deal, less than half what Bush and Codina had invested.” [Florida Today, 1/13/02]

RNC Executive Director Jack Oliver: Hoffman “Was One Of Jeb’s Top Lieutenants In Helping To Deliver Florida” For George W. Bush. According to Florida Today, “In a crusade to oust Jeb Bush as payback for what they believe was the theft of the 2000 presidential election, Democrats are pouring money into former Clinton Attorney General Janet Reno’s campaign. Republicans need to keep Florida, a swing state key to the presidency. To do that, they need [Al] Hoffman, ranked by insiders as one of the most influential fund-raisers in the country. ‘Al was one of Jeb’s top lieutenants in helping to deliver Florida,’ said Jack Oliver, executive director of the Republican National Committee. With Hoffman as the state finance chairman and co-chairman of the younger Bush’s presidential campaign, Florida raked in nearly $6 million, more cash than any other state except the former governor’s home state of Texas.” [Florida Today, 1/13/02]

Hoffman On Bush Family: “I Have Never Met A Family That Is So Principled And So Dedicated To What They Do.” According to Florida Today, “‘I’m not looking for something,’ [Al] Hoffman said. ‘All I’m really interested in is good government — and good government that represents my values.’ And the Bushes are his vehicle for doing that. ‘I have never met a family that is so principled and so dedicated to what they do,’ Hoffman said.” [Florida Today, 1/13/02]

Hoffman Vacationed With The Bush Family And Owned An Island In Maine “Near The Bush Kennebunkport Estate.” According to Florida Today, “He vacations with the [Bush] family. He owns an island in Maine on Casco Bay near the Bush Kennebunkport estate.” [Florida Today, 1/13/02]

JEB APPOINTEES INCLUDED JAMES MADISON INSTITUTE FELLOWS AND LEADERSHIP

Bush Appointed James Madison Institute Founder Stan Marshall To Be A Florida State University Trustee, Then Appointed Him to Florida Board of Governors Overseeing Universities In 2005

Jeb Bush Appointed J. Stanley Marshall, Founder Of JMI, To Be A Florida State University Trustee. According to the Miami Herald, “Gov. Jeb Bush looked to the history of Florida State University and the University of Florida when he appointed 24 people Wednesday to serve on the schools’ new boards of trustees. At UF, former President Marshall Criser will serve on the new policymaking board of the university he ran from 1984 to 1989. Cynthia O’Connell, the widow of former President Stephen O’Connell, will also serve on UF’s board. Florida State’s new board of trustees includes former state House of Representatives Speaker John Thrasher and J. Stanley Marshall, a former FSU president and founding chairman of the James Madison Institute, a conservative think tank. Former state university Regent Steven Uhlfelder will also serve as an FSU trustee.” [Miami Herald, 6/28/01]

Bush Appointed Marshall To The Florida Board Of Governors Overseeing Universities In 2005. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Bush appoints new board members: Gov. Jeb Bush on Monday appointed Florida State University trustee Stanley Marshall to the Board of Governors. Marshall, 82, former FSU president and founding chairman and vice chairman of the James Madison Institute, succeeds Steve Uhlfelder, who decided not to seek reappointment.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 2/22/05]

James Madison Institute President & CEO J. Robert McClure III “Was Appointed By Jeb Bush To The Florida Elections Commission And Has Served On The State Of Florida Education Strategic Planning Council.” According to a biography from the James Madison Institute, “Dr. McClure was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to the Florida Elections Commission and has served on the State of Florida Education Strategic Planning Council.” [James Madison Institute, accessed 2/27/15]

Bush Appointed Senior James Madison Institute Fellow Randall Holcombe As Economic Advisor; Holcombe Had Deep Koch Ties

JMI Senior Fellow Randall Holcombe Served As An Economic Advisor To Gov. Jeb Bush. According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “And thanks to JMI’s longtime work on the issue, the Florida intangibles tax (a tax on financial assets such as stocks or bonds) was repealed in the final year of Jeb Bush’s administration. ‘We were way out front on this issue,’ said JMI Senior Fellow and FSU Professor of Economics Randall Holcombe. ‘JMI was the first organization to have an objective analysis of this tax and why it should be repealed.’ In fact, Holcombe, who served as an economic advisor to Governor Bush, made it a point to ask him about how the repeal was progressing every time he saw him. ‘It got to the point where if I saw him, he’d start telling me about the intangibles tax before I could ask,’ said Holcombe.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

Holcombe Forwarded An Email To Bush With A Book Chapter From Koch-Tied Randal O’Toole. According to an email from Randall Holcombe to Gov. Jeb Bush on June 14, 2006, “Dear Governor Bush, I am attaching a book chapter by Randal O’Toole of Oregon’s Thoreau Institute on Smart Growth and Housing. I realize it’s a bit long and I’m not sure how much time you have for reading during hurricane season, but it is very well-researched and does a great job of explaining some of the effects land use planning has had. I think that if you just started reading it, you would find it compelling enough to read all the way through. I’m passing it along on the chance that you might have time to look at it. Best regards, Randy” [Randall Holcombe Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 6/14/06]

Bush Response: “Thank You Randy. I Look Forward To Reading This.”According to an email from Gov. Jeb Bush to Randall Holcombe on June 14, 2006, “Thank you Randy. I look forward to reading this. Jeb” [Gov. Jeb Bush Email to Randall Holcombe, 6/14/06]

Randal O’Toole Was a Senior Fellow at the Koch-Founded Cato Institute. [Cato Institute, Accessed 3/20/15]

Holcombe Spoke At Universities As Part Of Koch-Funded Lecture Series.

Holcombe Spoke On “The Bush-Obama Stimulus Programs And The Future Of American Capitalism” At Pepperdine University, Sponsored By The Charles G. Koch Foundation. According to Pepperdine University School of Public Policy Dean’s Report, “Dr. Randall Holcombe of Florida State University presented a lecture titled ‘The Bush-Obama Stimulus Programs and the Future of American Capitalism’ in the first of two lectures last fall sponsored by the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation.” [Pepperdine University School of Public Policy Dean’s Report, Winter 2010]

Assistant Professor Of Economics At Beloit College In Wisconsin Joshua Hall Wrote On The Institute For Humane Studies Website That Holcombe Spoke At Beloit, Funded Via Grants From The Koch Foundation. According to a post by Beloit College Assistant Professor of Economics Joshua Hall for the Institute for Humane Studies, “To extend the influence of each year’s Forum throughout the academic year, we have solicited regular grants from the Charles Koch Foundation for support of a speaker series. The grant has allowed us to invite young scholars to campus who were working on ideas building off the work of that year’s Upton Scholar. During the academic year surrounding Israel Kirzner’s visit to Beloit, for example, we were able to bring to campus throughout the year the following scholars: Adam Martin (New York University), Peter Klein (University of Missouri), Stephen Gohmann (University of Louisville), Randall Holcombe (Florida State University), and David Henderson (Naval Postgraduate School).” [Joshua Hall – Institute for Humane Studies, 3/14/12]

Holcombe’s Position At FSU Was Funded In Part By The Charles Koch Foundation

Holcombe Was A “Research Faculty Associate” Of The Study Of Political Economy And Free Enterprise (SPEFE) At FSU. According to a document detailing the Koch Fellowship program at FSU from FSU.edu, “The BB&T and CKF fellowships are part of a larger grant-supported set of programs: the program for the Study of Political Economy and Free Enterprise (SPEFE) and the program for Excellence in Economic Education (EEE)… Fellowship recipients will be assigned as a one-quarter time research assistant for one of the research faculty associates of SPEFE (currently Bruce Benson, James Gwartney, Randall Holcombe, Mark Isaac, Shi Qi, and Carl Kitchens, but other faculty members are free to apply for associate status), or as one-quarter-time teaching assistant to one of the SPEFE associated or one of the EEE associates (currently James Gwartney, Joe Calhoun, Lora Holcombe, Joab Corey, and Katie Sherron, although other faculty members are free to apply for associate status).” [FSU.edu, accessed 3/4/15]

SPEFE Was Created As Part Of The Koch Donations To FSU. According to a Memorandum of Understanding between the Charles Koch Foundation and Florida State University published via the Academe Blog, “The FSU College of Social Sciences agrees to create the SPEFE Program and the EEE Program within the Stavros Center to build upon and advance research, publication, dissemination, and public knowledge of the role and importance of economic institutions and the study of political economy. CKF is supportive of these efforts, and the Parties agree that the activities of the SPEFE Program and the EEE Program will include but not be limited to: (a) yearly production and publication of high-quality academic research focusing on economic institutions and political economy, (b) economic education efforts aimed at the broad dissemination of research related to economic institutions and political economy, (c) support of faculty and students advancing research into and the dissemination of economic institutions and political economy, and (d) collaboration and cooperation with other centers and organizations working to advance complementary research and activities related to economic institutions and political economy.” [CKF-FSU MOU via Academe Blog, 1/16/15]

The CKF-FSU Memorandum Of Understanding Set “Forth The Intent, Structure, Recruitment, And Funding Procedures To Support The SPEFE And EEE Programs, The Professorship Positions.” According to a Memorandum of Understanding between the Charles Koch Foundation and Florida State University published via the Academe Blog, “This Memorandum sets forth the intent, structure, recruitment, and funding procedures to support the SPEFE and EEE Programs, the Professorship Positions, Teaching Specialist Position and the Undergraduate Program (the SPEFE Program, the EEE Program, the Professorship Positions, Teaching Specialist Position and the Undergraduate Program are collectively referred to herein as, the “Affiliated Programs and Positions”), and to clarify the relationship between CKF, FSU faculty, Donor Partners and relevant departments of FSU as it relates to these Affiliated Programs and Positions,” [CKF-FSU MOU via Academe Blog, 1/16/15]

Holcombe Published An Opinion Defending The Koch Grant To FSU, Saying The Negative Coverage “Distorted The Facts.” According to a post by Randall Holcombe on the Independent Institute’s Beacon blog, “Our run in the spotlight started with an op-ed on May 1 in the local newspaper, The Tallahassee Democrat, in which the writers were criticizing a grant my department received from the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation because, the writers argued, we gave up our academic freedom to get the money. The story was picked up by the St. Petersburg Times, and seems to have gone viral after that. I could pick and choose a few links to share, but when I just Googled ‘Florida State University economics Koch’ Google returned 211,000 results. You can see for yourself what people are saying. I don’t object to the investigative reporting that is being done on this issue. As a government-run institution, I am happy to have our activities scrutinized and for the press to inquire into our funding sources, and how we are spending our money. In this case, however, I think the press coverage has distorted the facts.” [Randall Holcombe – Independent Institute’s Beacon Blog, 5/12/11]

Holcombe Published A Second Opinion Defending The Koch Grant To FSU, Saying “We Were Right To Accept The Grant.” According to a post by Randall Holcombe on the Independent Institute’s Beacon Blog, “In what I wrote last week I was just trying to state the facts as I saw them, as someone with more knowledge about the deal than most people who offered their opinions. I didn’t pass judgment. I tried to present objective facts, and let readers decide. As someone close to the grant in question, I do have an opinion, however, and my opinion is that the Koch grant does not compromise the academic integrity of Florida State University, has not limited our academic freedom, and has provided unambiguously beneficial results to the university—unless you count the negative publicity. So, (1) we were right to accept the grant, and (2) we should defend ourselves by explaining why we were right.” [Randall Holcombe –Independent Institute’s Beacon Blog, 5/18/11]

Holcombe: “The Koch Grant Does Not Compromise The Academic Integrity Of Florida State University, Has Not Limited Our Academic Freedom, And Has Provided Unambiguously Beneficial Results To The University.” According to a post by Randall Holcombe on the Independent Institute’s Beacon Blog, “As someone close to the grant in question, I do have an opinion, however, and my opinion is that the Koch grant does not compromise the academic integrity of Florida State University, has not limited our academic freedom, and has provided unambiguously beneficial results to the university—unless you count the negative publicity. So, (1) we were right to accept the grant, and (2) we should defend ourselves by explaining why we were right.” [Randall Holcombe –Independent Institute’s Beacon Blog, 5/18/11]

Holcombe Has A History Of Koch-Sponsored Scholarship

Holcombe Published A Book, “Liberalism And Cronyism” Through The Mercatus Center In 2013. According to Randall Holcombe’s CV via his website, “Liberalism and Cronyism: Two Rival Political and Economic Systems (with Andrea M. Castillo). Arlington, VA: Mercatus Center, 2013.” [RandallHolcombe.com, accessed 3/4/15]

Holcombe Published Two Publications On The Value Added Tax Through The Mercatus Center. According to Randall Holcombe’s CV via his website, “‘The Value Added Tax: Too Costly for the United States,’ Research Paper, Mercatus Center, George Mason University, September 21, 2010 […] ‘The Value Added Tax: Impacts on Florida,’ Mercatus on Policy No. 89 (February 2011), Mercatus Center, George Mason University.” [RandallHolcombe.com, accessed 3/4/15]

Holcombe Contributed To The Institute For Humane Studies’ 1979 Publication “Government Aid To Private Schools: Is It A Trojan Horse?” With A Chapter Titled “An Incentive Plan For Subsidizing Private Schools.” According to Randall Holcombe’s CV via his website, “‘An Incentive Plan for Subsidizing Private Schools’ in Richard E. Wagner, ed., Government Aid to Private Schools: Is it a Trojan Horse? Wichita: Institute for Humane Studies, 1979, pp. 47-56.” [RandallHolcombe.com, accessed 3/4/15]

Holcombe Published “Political Capitalism” In The Winter 2015 Issue Of Cato Journal. [Randall Holcombe – Cato Journal, Winter 2015]

Holcombe Wrote That “Political Capitalism” Is When Political And Economic Elites Form A Mutually Beneficial Relationship Where Economic Elites Influence The Government For Their Self-Interest. According to an article by Randall Holcombe in the Cato Journal, “Political capitalism is an economic and political system in which the economic and political elite cooperate for their mutual benefit. The economic elite influence the government’s economic policies to use regulation, government spending, and the design of the tax system to maintain their elite status in the economy. The political elite are then supported by the economic elite which helps the political elite maintain their status; an exchange relationship that benefits both the political and economic elite.” [Randall Holcombe – Cato Journal, Winter 2015]

Holcombe: “When Money Comes From People Who Challenge The Elite, Like The Koch Brothers, They Are Vilified Because They Are Challenging Ruling Elites.”According to an article by Randall Holcombe in the Cato Journal, “The political elite strongly encourage the political participation of the masses, as long as the masses can have no impact on political outcomes. Political participation by the masses has a strong symbolic impact, because it implies the support of the masses for the political elite, as Edelman (1964) notes. However, when people outside the political elite actually can make a difference, their participation is vilified. Note, for example, the complaints about money in politics—especially money that comes from large donors. Politicians are happy to receive donations that support their positions and help maintain their positions in the elite, but when money comes from people who challenge the elite, like the Koch brothers, they are vilified because they are challenging the ruling elites. Participation is encouraged by the political elite, unless that participation can displace members of the elite from their positions of power.” [Randall Holcombe – Cato Journal, Winter 2015]

Holcombe Served On The Advisory Board Of The Beacon Hill Institute, An ALEC and SPN Affiliate, From 1996 To 2005. According to Randall Holcombe’s CV via his website, “Advisory Board Member, The Beacon Hill Institute, Suffolk University, Boston, Massachusetts, 1996 to 2005.” [RandallHolcombe.com, accessed 3/4/15]

Guardian: The Beacon Hill Institute Is An “Ultra-Conservative” Think Tank, “Associated With A Network Of Ultra-Conservative Groups” Funded By The Koch Brothers. According to the Guardian, “Meanwhile, the Employment Policies Institute, a tax-exempt organisation headed by Berman and operating out of his office according to tax filings, funded a series of reports by an ultra-conservative thinktank, the Beacon Hill Institute […]Beacon Hill is associated with a network of ultra-conservative groups working with the American Legislative Exchange Council and funded by patrons of anti-government causes such as the Koch brothers and Searle Freedom Trust.” [Guardian, 2/23/15]

Holcombe Took Credit For Successfully Lobbying Jeb Bush to Repeal Intangibles Tax Despite Earlier Claims That Previous Work for Organization Did Nothing “As An Attempt To Aid Or Hinder The Passage Of Any Legislation.”

JMI Took Credit For A Repeal Of Florida’s Intangibles Tax On “Financial Assets Such As Stocks Or Bonds” Which Took Place During Bush’s Final Year In Office, In Part Due To Holcombe’s Lobbying. According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “And thanks to JMI’s longtime work on the issue, the Florida intangibles tax (a tax on financial assets such as stocks or bonds) was repealed in the final year of Jeb Bush’s administration. ‘We were way out front on this issue,’ said JMI Senior Fellow and FSU Professor of Economics Randall Holcombe. ‘JMI was the first organization to have an objective analysis of this tax and why it should be repealed.’ In fact, Holcombe, who served as an economic advisor to Governor Bush, made it a point to ask him about how the repeal was progressing every time he saw him. ‘It got to the point where if I saw him, he’d start telling me about the intangibles tax before I could ask,’ said Holcombe.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

Holcombe’s Work Carried A Disclaimer That Said “Nothing In The Madison Op-Ed Series Should Be Construed… As An Attempt To Aid Or Hinder The Passage Of Any Legislation.” According to an opinion by Edward Ericson Jr. in the Orlando Weekly, “As a presumably disinterested professor (whose FSU faculty position is funded by a Tallahassee developer), Holcombe’s opinion — as ensconced in research papers, testimony and, this month, an op-ed piece sent to Florida newspapers — is designed to sway votes. His work under the auspices of the Madison Institute, however, carries this disclaimer: ‘Nothing in The Madison Op-Ed Series should be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of The James Madison Institute or as an attempt to aid or hinder the passage of any legislation.’”[Edward Ericson Jr. – Orlando Weekly, 4/27/98]

Bush Appointed Campaign Fundraiser Marty Fiorentino To The Jacksonville Port Authority; Fiorentino Also Served On The Board Of The James Madison Institute.

Bush Appointed Campaign Fundraiser Marty Fiorentino To The Jacksonville Port Authority; Fiorentino Also Served On The Board Of The James Madison Institute.According to the St. Petersburg Times, “Marty Fiorentino. A CSX executive when he became a Bush Pioneer, Fiorentino has since opened a lobbying firm with clients including CSX, the cruise ship industry and Jacksonville. He was chief of staff of the Federal Railroad Administration and counselor to the deputy secretary of transportation under the first President Bush. He was a major fundraiser for Gov. Bush’s two campaigns, and Bush appointed Fiorentino in 2001 to the Jacksonville Port Authority. Fiorentino also is on the board of the James Madison Institute, a Libertarian-leaning think tank in Tallahassee whose board includes several Pioneers.” [St. Petersburg Times, 6/22/03]

Bush Appointed James Madison Institute Research Advisory Council Member As First Director for Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development

Antonio Villamil, Founder And Principal Of The Washington Economics Group, Inc., Served On The Research Advisory Council Of The James Madison Institute.According to the James Madison Institute, J. Antonio Villamil, Founder and Principal of the Washington Economics Group, Inc., was a member of JMI’s Research Advisory Council. [James Madison Institute, accessed 3/2/15]

Villamil “Was Selected By Governor Bush As His First Director For Tourism, Trade, And Economic Development.” According to the James Madison Institute, “Dr. [J. Antonio] Villamil is the immediate past Chairman of the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors of Florida, and during 1999-2000, he was selected by Governor Bush as his first Director for Tourism, Trade and Economic Development. Presently, he is on the Board of Directors of the Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS), Mercantil Commercebank, NA, and Pan-American Life Insurance Group (PALIG). He was most recently appointed by the US Secretary of Commerce to serve in the Florida District Export Council.” [James Madison Institute, accessed 3/2/15]

JAMES MADISON INSTITUTE STRONGLY BACKED BUSH’S POLICY INITIATIVES

James Madison Institute Took Credit for Bush’s Repeal of Florida’s Intangibles Tax On Financial Assets Like Stocks and Bonds During Bush’s Final Year In Office

JMI Took Credit For A Repeal Of Florida’s Tax On “Financial Assets Such As Stocks Or Bonds” Which Took Place During Bush’s Final Year In Office. According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “And thanks to JMI’s longtime work on the issue, the Florida intangibles tax (a tax on financial assets such as stocks or bonds) was repealed in the final year of Jeb Bush’s administration. ‘We were way out front on this issue,’ said JMI Senior Fellow and FSU Professor of Economics Randall Holcombe. ‘JMI was the first organization to have an objective analysis of this tax and why it should be repealed.’ In fact, Holcombe, who served as an economic advisor to Governor Bush, made it a point to ask him about how the repeal was progressing every time he saw him. ‘It got to the point where if I saw him, he’d start telling me about the intangibles tax before I could ask,’ said Holcombe.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

Brevard County Democratic Party Chair Amy Tidd: Florida Was “Short On Tax Revenue” Because “In 2006, The Republican-Controlled Legislature Voted To Repeal The Intangibles Tax… They Quoted People Like Randall Holcombe From The James Madison Institute.” According to an opinion by Brevard County Democratic Party Executive Committee Chair Amy Tidd in Florida Today, “Why are we short on tax revenue? One of the reasons is that in 2006, the Republican-controlled Legislature voted to repeal the intangibles tax, a tax on the wealthiest citizens that brought in $600 million a year. They quoted people like Randall Holcombe from the James Madison Institute who said, ‘The intangible tax raises a relatively small amount of revenue.’ And, ‘If the tax was completely eliminated, state governmental expenditures would still increase because the revenues lost would be more than replaced by the normal growth in the state’s other revenue sources.’” [Amy Tidd – Florida Today, 3/20/08]

Tidd: Holcombe’s Claims That “The Intangible Tax Raises A Small Amount Of Revenue” And If It Were Eliminated “State Governmental Expenditures Would Still Increase” Were “Proven To Be False.” According to an opinion by Brevard County Democratic Party Executive Committee Chair Amy Tidd in Florida Today, “One of the reasons is that in 2006, the Republican-controlled Legislature voted to repeal the intangibles tax, a tax on the wealthiest citizens that brought in $600 million a year. They quoted people like Randall Holcombe from the James Madison Institute who said, ‘The intangible tax raises a relatively small amount of revenue.’ And, ‘If the tax was completely eliminated, state governmental expenditures would still increase because the revenues lost would be more than replaced by the normal growth in the state’s other revenue sources.’ Today these ideas have proven to be false.” [Amy Tidd – Florida Today, 3/20/08]

James Madison Institute and Koch-Backed Reason Fellow Backed Bush’s Efforts to Privatize Government

2005: JMI And Reason Fellow Geoffrey Segal Praised Gov. Jeb Bush’s “Strong Support Of Making Government Compete With The Private Sector.” According to an opinion by director of Government Reform Policy at Reason and JMI Fellow Geoffrey Segal for the James Madison institute, “Governor Bush has taken a lot of flak for his strong support of making government compete with the private sector. During his tenure, more than 120 projects ranging from prison food service to maintenance in state parks have been initiated, saving the state millions of dollars while simultaneously improving services.” [Geoffrey Segal – JMI, 5/6/05]

Bush’s Former Deputy Chief of Staff and Executive Director of Foundation for Florida’s Future Patricia Levesque Published Paper Praising Bush’s Education Legacy Through Madison Institute

In Spring 2007, JMI Published “Better Schools: The Education Legacy Of Governor Jeb Bush” By Patricia Levesque. [Journal of the James Madison Institute, Spring 2007]

Levesque Was “The Former Deputy Chief Of Staff For Gov. Jeb Bush And The… Executive Director Of The Foundation For Florida’s Future.” According to the Journal of the James Madison Institute, “Patricia Levesque is the former Deputy Chief of Staff for Gov. Jeb Bush and the current Executive Director of the Foundation for Florida’s Future.” Journal of the James Madison Institute, Spring 2007]

Levesque: “Because Of The Passion And Commitment Of Governor Bush… Florida Embarked On A Comprehensive Overhaul Of Its Public Education System, A Reform Initiative Appropriately Named The A+ Plan For Education.” According to the Journal of the James Madison Institute, “Because of the passion and commitment of Governor Bush and the leadership of Senate President Toni Jennings and House Speaker John Thrasher, Florida embarked

on a comprehensive overhaul of its public education system, a reform initiative appropriately named the A+ Plan for Education.” [Journal of the James Madison Institute, Spring 2007]

James Madison Institute Fellow Backed Bush’s Plan to Privatize Medicaid

Gainesville Sun Editorial: “Gov. Jeb Bush Wants To Privatize Medicaid.” According to the Gainesville Sun: “ Gov. Jeb Bush wants to privatize Medicaid; essentially giving Medicaid patients vouchers and turning them over to privately operated managed care companies. With his unwavering faith in the market, Bush trusts that those companies will be able to deliver the care Medicaid patients need while saving tax dollars. “We want to empower the people in the Medicaid program to control their own health care, to choose their own coverage, their doctors and their treatments,” Bush said this week. The alternative to privatizing Medicaid, he warns, may be drastic cutbacks in benefits and membership. [The Gainesville Sun, 1/13/05]

Gainesville Sun Editorial: “The Jeb Bush Era Has Been Fraught With Instance After Instance In Which The Privatization Of Public Functions Has Resulted In Higher Costs And Less Effective Services.” According to The Gainesville Sun: “While agreeing that Medicaid in its current form is fiscally unsustainable, it is too soon to make the leap of faith that the key to saving it lies in privatization. In fact, the Jeb Bush era has been fraught with instance after instance in which the privatization of public functions has resulted in higher costs and less effective services.”

JMI’s 2013 Annual Report: “Thanks In Large Part To A 2005 JMI Study And The Leadership Of Governor Jeb Bush, Florida Was The First State In The Country To Institute Market-Based Medicaid Entitlement Reform.” According to the JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “Currently, one out of every three dollars in Florida’s state budget goes to Medicaid, a cooperative federal-state program where the federal government matches funds to states that choose to provide medical care to needy persons. The growth of spending on Medicaid makes less room for other priorities in the state’s budget. Thanks in large part to a 2005 JMI study and the leadership of Governor Jeb Bush, Florida was the first state in the country to institute market-based Medicaid entitlement reform to do just that. In 2011, thanks to Governor Rick Scott and Senator Joe Negron, these reforms were expanded statewide. Through this program, Medicaid patients are given vouchers to take to the doctor of their choice, thereby increasing competition, lowering costs, providing patients with access to better care, and helping them to be less reliant on government, by finding access to affordable private insurance plans.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

2009: Three Years After Law Took Effect, Bush’s Medicaid Privatization Plan Gave “Little Evidence To Show That The Pilot, Operating In Five Counties, Has Improved Health Care Or Saved The State Money.”

Gainesville Sun: “There’s Also Been Little Evidence To Show” That The Medicaid Privatization Pilot Program, “Operating In Five Counties, Has Improved Health Care Or Saved The State Money.” According to The Gainesville Sun, “Nearly three years into a Medicaid privatization program former Gov. Jeb Bush said could be a national model, state officials say they do not have crucial data to measure the program’s effectiveness, including how many patients’ treatments and prescriptions have been approved or denied. […] An Associated Press study found nearly 25 percent of doctors in Broward and Duval counties, the two biggest counties in the pilot program, have dropped out because of red tape and an inability to treat patients as they see fit. […]The complaints have led to an outcry for accountability from the state’s health care agency, especially after WellCare, the program’s largest private health care provider, has admitted to stealing more than $35 million from the state under another program. There’s also been little evidence to show that the pilot, operating in five counties, has improved health care or saved the state money.” [Gainesville Sun, 6/1/09]

Gainesville Sun: Three Years After Start of Bush’s Medicaid Privatization He Had Touted as National Model, State Officials Say They Do Not Have Crucial Data To Measure The Program’s Effectiveness. According to The Gainesville Sun, “Nearly three years into a Medicaid privatization program former Gov. Jeb Bush said could be a national model, state officials say they do not have crucial data to measure the program’s effectiveness, including how many patients’ treatments and prescriptions have been approved or denied.” [Gainesville Sun, 6/1/09]

Gainesville Sun: “Patients And Health Care Advocates Have Complained They Can’t Get Doctors Appointments And Medications Under The Program.” According to The Gainesville Sun, “Patients and health care advocates have complained they can’t get doctors appointments and medications under the program, which began in October 2006.” [Gainesville Sun, 6/1/09]

An AP Study Found “Nearly 25 Percent Of Doctors In Broward And Duval Counties, The Two Biggest Counties In The Pilot Program, Have Dropped Out Because Of Red Tape And An Inability To Treat Patients As They See Fit.” According to The Gainesville Sun: “An Associated Press study found nearly 25 percent of doctors in Broward and Duval counties, the two biggest counties in the pilot program, have dropped out because of red tape and an inability to treat patients as they see fit.” [Gainesville Sun, 6/1/09]

Bush Received Emails from James Madison Institute President and Board Members On Plan to Privatize Medicaid

JMI President Bob McClure Email To Jeb Bush: “JMI Continues To Pound The Drum For Medicaid Reform. Perhaps You’ve Had A Chance To Glance At Our Study… It Is Extremely Supportive Of Your Call For Specific Reform.” According to an email from JMI President Bob McClure to Gov. Jeb Bush on April 4, 2005, “JMI continues to pound the drum for Medicaid reform. Perhaps you’ve had a chance to glance at our study released several weeks ago on the issue. We met with Alan Philp, William Large, Carol Gormely, Secretary Levine and close to 20 legislators regarding our work. It is extremely supportive of your call for specific reform. In fact, several newspapers around the state have cited JMI in the same breathe with your proposal as you seek to do the right thing. We also have several op-eds in support that should appear soon in the states’ newspapers.” [Bob McClure Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 4/4/05]

Bush Response: “Thank You Bob.” According to an email from Gov. Jeb Bush to JMI President Bob McClure on April 4, 2005, “thank you Bob. Jeb” [Gov. Jeb Bush Email to Bob McClure, 4/4/05]

JMI Board Member Jon Rawlson To Bush On Medicaid: “I Think You Know That I Am On The JMI Board – If JMI Could Help In Any Way – We Would Be Pleased To Do So.” According to an email from Jon Rawlson to Gov. Jeb Bush on March 13, 2003, “Jeb – as you move forward in the dialogue with the Task Force, I would appreciate the opportunity to offer suggestions and ideas on other reforms within Medicaid. If you have any thoughts on how we could help in this process, please be sure to let me know. Also, I think you know that I am on the JMI Board – if JMI could help in any way – we would be pleased to do so.” [Jon Rawlson Email to Gov. Jeb Bush 3/13/03]

James Madison Institute Fellow Backed Bush’s Efforts to Change Florida’s Medicaid Program

JMI Fellow Michael Bond In 2005: Gov. Jeb Bush “Put Forth A Bold And Innovative Program To Reform Florida’s Participation In Medicaid,” The Plan Moves The Program “Toward The Creation Of A Free Market…For Medicaid Beneficiaries.” According to an opinion by JMI Fellow Michael Bond for the James Madison Institute, “Gov. Jeb Bush has put forth a bold and innovative program to reform Florida’s participation in Medicaid, the federal-state health plan that provides health care to the poor, the disabled, and the elderly in need of nursing home care. The current plan faces an enormous unfunded liability that threatens Florida’s long-term fiscal health. In addition, there are serious questions about the quality of many Medicaid services. Governor Bush’s plan begins to move the program toward the creation of a free market in health care for Medicaid beneficiaries.” [Michael Bond – James Madison Institute, 4/19/05]

Bond Said Medicaid’s Price-Setting Procedures Were Similar To The Soviet Union’s Economic Policy And “Resembles Nothing More” Than Economics “Championed By The World’s Worst Economist, Karl Marx.” According to an opinion by JMI Fellow Michael Bond for the James Madison Institute, “The payments for doctors and hospitals are generally done on a ‘prospective’ basis. That is, Medicaid pays a ‘price’ to each provider for services rendered. The idea of this system is to encourage providers to deliver health care efficiently since they receive a fixed payment and pocket the difference over their costs. The problem is that neither Medicaid (nor Medicare) has any idea what the ‘right’ price is for these services. So it’s inevitable that the system will fumble in its attempts to determine the prices for 10,000 items in 3,000 counties. This is not quite as silly as the old Soviet Union, which set 24 million prices from a central command in Moscow, but it’s in the same ballpark. Indeed, the system used to determine doctor’s fees resembles nothing more than the discredited ‘Labor Value Theory’ championed by the world’s worst economist, Karl Marx. Hmmm. We put up with government health plans that pay doctors using the principles of communism, and then we wonder why we have problems.” [Michael Bond – James Madison Institute, 4/19/05]

Bond: “We Put Up With Government Health Plans That Pay Doctors Using The Principles Of Communism, And Then We Wonder Why We Have Problems.” According to an opinion by JMI Fellow Michael Bond for the James Madison Institute, “The payments for doctors and hospitals are generally done on a ‘prospective’ basis. That is, Medicaid pays a ‘price’ to each provider for services rendered. The idea of this system is to encourage providers to deliver health care efficiently since they receive a fixed payment and pocket the difference over their costs. The problem is that neither Medicaid (nor Medicare) has any idea what the ‘right’ price is for these services. So it’s inevitable that the system will fumble in its attempts to determine the prices for 10,000 items in 3,000 counties. This is not quite as silly as the old Soviet Union, which set 24 million prices from a central command in Moscow, but it’s in the same ballpark. Indeed, the system used to determine doctor’s fees resembles nothing more than the discredited ‘Labor Value Theory’ championed by the world’s worst economist, Karl Marx. Hmmm. We put up with government health plans that pay doctors using the principles of communism, and then we wonder why we have problems.” [Michael Bond – James Madison Institute, 4/19/05]

JMI Consultants Convinced Bush To Kill High Speed Rail Plans In Florida

JMI Hired A Consultant To Study The Proposed High-Speed Rail Plan In Florida; The Study “Predicted Financial Disaster.” According to the Associated Press, “He [John Hedrick] also cited studies by the Wendell Cox Consultancy of Washington, D.C., on behalf of the James Madison Institute, a conservative think tank in Tallahassee, and by Wilbur Smith Associates for the Florida Transportation Commission, a panel that oversees DOT. Both studies question a FOX estimate of 8 million passengers annually by the fifth year. The Cox study predicted financial disaster while Smith Associates concluded the estimate was based on sound forecasting techniques but that there were too many unknowns to be sure of its accuracy.” [AP, 11/14/98]

AP: “Bush Was Impressed” By A JMI Study “That Opposed A Plan For A So-Called ‘Bullet Train’ From Tampa To Orlando And Miami. As Governor, One Of Bush’s First Acts Was To Kill The Project.” According to the Associated Press, “But Bush was impressed by a James Madison Institute study last year that opposed a plan for a so-called ‘bullet train’ from Tampa to Orlando and Miami. As governor, one of Bush’s first acts was to kill the project.” [AP, 2/13/99]

An Institute For Justice Attorney Argued On Behalf Of Florida Defending Gov. Jeb Bush’s Voucher Program, And Wrote An Op-Ed Defending It For JMI. According to the Pensacola News Journal, “Today’s opposing viewpoints are written by: […] Clark Neily, a senior attorney at the Institute for Justice, supporting the program before the Florida Supreme Court. Neily is writing for The James Madison Institute, a Tallahassee-based policy center.” [Pensacola News Journal, 6/2/05]

JMI Said That “Bush’s Aggressive Privatization And Outsourcing Plans” Saved The State Money And Praised Bush For Vetoing A Bill Granting Legislative Oversight Of Outsourced Contracts. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Even though Gov. Jeb Bush vetoed a bill requiring increased oversight of state contracts, legislative leaders say it doesn’t mean no one will be watching the store. […]Advocacy groups such as the James Madison Institute, a conservative think tank, say Bush’s aggressive privatization and outsourcing plans are saving the state money. President Bob McClure praised the governor for vetoing the bill.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 7/3/05]

JMI President Stan Marshall To Bush: “You Have My Congratulations And Thanks…Your Call For Repeal” Of The High Speed Rail Amendment “Expresses Once Again The Courageous Leadership You Are Providing For Florida.” According to an email from JMI President Stanley Marshall to Gov. Jeb Bush on December 9, 2003, “Governor: You have my congratulations and thanks for your forceful statement on the high speed rail project, along with the gratitude and admiration of the whole JMI family. We are greatly impressed by the careful and very extensive documentation you provided and by your casting the issue in strong moral terms. Going forward with the project would be a catastrophe for Floridians and your call for repeal of the amendment expresses once again the courageous leadership you are providing for Florida. Sincerely, Stan Marshall” [Stanley Marshall Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 12/9/03]

Bush Response: “Thanks Stan! We Need To Get Signatures Asap.” According to an email from Gov. Jeb Bush to Stanley Marshall on December 9, 2003, “Thanks Stan! We need to get signatures asap. Jeb” [Gov. Jeb Bush Email to Stanley Marshall, 12/9/03]

In An Email For The “No Casinos In Florida” Campaign, Bush Cited “Respected Florida Think Tanks” Like JMI And Said “We Should All Take Note” Of JMI’s Opposition To Gambling Expansion. According to an email sent from No Casinos In Florida signed by Jeb Bush on October 26, 2004, “Nearly every major newspaper editorial board in Florida, and a broad-based coalition of law enforcement, education, senior and faith based groups are advocating the defeat of Amendment 4, and I am happy to lend my voice in support of that effort. When groups like the Florida Sheriff’s Association and the Florida Police Chief’s Association join forces in opposition to Amendment 4, saying it will increase crime in our communities, we should all pay close attention. When respected Florida think tanks like the James Madison Institute note that ‘the costs associated with the approval of this amendment…outweigh the benefits and the people of Florida would do well to see it defeated,’ we should all take note. And, when education advocates like the Florida Parent Teacher Association (PTA) state, ‘Claims of the monetary benefits to education to be derived from proceeds of casino gambling are not factually substantiated,’ we should all better understand the implications of this harmful amendment.[…] Florida is not interested in expanding gambling. Please join me in voting no on Amendment 4 on Election Day. Sincerely, Jeb Bush” [No Casinos In Florida Email, 10/26/04]

Bush’s Communications Director Alia Faraj Thanked JMI Policy Director Robert Sanchez For Submitting A Letter To The Editor On School Vouchers And Copied Bush On The Email. According to an email from Alia Faraj, Gov. Jeb Bush’s communications director, to Robert Sanchez, the policy director for the James Madison Institute, on May 11, 2006, “Bob — thank you very much for submitting this letter to the editor!!!” The email’s subject was: “Letter to the Editor: Bob Sanches JMI The aim of school vouchers is to improve public education.” Faraj copied Gov. Jeb Bush on the email. [Alia Faraj Email to Robert Sanchez, 5/11/06]

Faraj Included Sanchez’s Letter To The Editor In Her Email To Him.According to an email from Alia Faraj, Gov. Jeb Bush’s communications director, to Robert Sanchez, the policy director for the James Madison Institute, on May 11, 2006, Faraj included Sanchez’s letter to the editor in the body of her email. [Alia Faraj Email to Robert Sanchez, 5/11/06]

Sanchez’s Letter To The Editor Criticized A St. Petersburg Times Editorial On School Vouchers, Accused The Paper Of “Ascribing Dubious Motives” To Voucher Advocates. According to the letter to the editor written by JMI’s Robert Sanchez in the Tampa Bay Times, “The St. Petersburg Times obviously has philosophical differences with those who advocate school vouchers. Fair enough. What’s unfair, though, is ascribing dubious motives to those who disagree. Yet that’s the prevailing tone of much of the paper’s commentary on the topic. Consider, for instance, Tuesday’s editorial, A dubious virtual voucher. It accuses voucher advocates of viewing ‘privatization as an end unto itself.’” [Robert Sanchez Letter to the Editor – Tampa Bay Times, 5/11/06]

Sanchez’s Letter To The Editor: “Gov. Jeb Bush And Other Voucher Supporters Have Consistently Touted Parental Choice, Together With Accountability Measures,” Which Have Begun “To Work.” According to the letter to the editor written by JMI’s Robert Sanchez in the Tampa Bay Times, “Gov. Jeb Bush and other voucher supporters have consistently touted parental choice, together with accountability measures such as the FCAT, as a way to improve public education. Moreover, it’s beginning to work, as the latest FCAT scores suggest – and as research by Harvard professor Paul Peterson and others has confirmed.” [Robert Sanchez Letter to the Editor – Tampa Bay Times, 5/11/06]

Sanchez’s Letter To The Editor: “The Schools Attended By Voucher Recipients Have The Highest And Best Form Of Accountability: Parental Involvement, A Byproduct Of Parental Choice.” According to the letter to the editor written by JMI’s Robert Sanchez in the Tampa Bay Times, “Voucher critics’ constant complaints about private schools’ ‘lack of accountability’ also ring hollow. The schools attended by voucher recipients have the highest and best form of accountability: parental involvement, a byproduct of parental choice.” [Robert Sanchez Letter to the Editor – Tampa Bay Times, 5/11/06]

Sanchez’s Letter To The Editor: “How Sad That The Florida Senate’s Schism Denied Floridians A Chance To Vote On A Voucher Amendment To The State Constitution.”According to the letter to the editor written by JMI’s Robert Sanchez in the Tampa Bay Times, “How sad that the Florida Senate’s schism denied Floridians a chance to vote on a voucher amendment to the state Constitution. It’s true, as the Times repeatedly has noted, that ‘the people have spoken’ on the class size amendment, but they’ve never had a chance to speak on vouchers except in response to loaded questions in public opinion polls.” [Robert Sanchez Letter to the Editor – Tampa Bay Times, 5/11/06]

Sanchez’s Letter To The Editor: “The Closest Florida Voters Came To A Real Referendum On Vouchers Was The 2002 Race For Governor Between Provoucher Jeb Bush And Antivoucher Bill McBride” And Bush Won. According to the letter to the editor written by JMI’s Robert Sanchez in the Tampa Bay Times, “Indeed, the closest Florida voters came to a real referendum on vouchers was the 2002 race for governor between provoucher Jeb Bush and antivoucher Bill McBride, the teacher unions’ candidate. Final score: Bush 56 percent, McBride 43 percent.” [Robert Sanchez Letter to the Editor – Tampa Bay Times, 5/11/06]

James Madison Institute Backed Multiple Bush-Driven Education Initiatives, Funded Group That Would Serve as “Competition” to Florida Chapter of National Education Association

James Madison Institute Funded “Professional Educators Network Of Florida” As “Competition” To Florida’s Chapter Of The NEA; Group Pushed Several Anti-Union Provisions Targeted At Florida Public School Teachers

JMI Funded The “Professional Educators Network Of Florida” As “Competition” To Florida’s Chapter Of The NEA. According to the Orlando Sentinel, “After two months of battling the state’s teachers unions over public school reforms, the Republican-led Legislature has opened the door to a group the unions fear could dilute their political and bargaining strength. Union leaders say it’s retribution for their battle against GOP Gov. Jeb Bush’s ‘A+’ education-reform package, especially the state’s first-ever voucher program, and for supporting Bush’s Democratic opponent in the 1998 governor’s race. ‘They’re attempting to punish us for supporting education and not selling out to the voucher plan,’ said David Clark of the Florida Teaching Profession-National Education Association, one of the state’s two teachers unions. ‘The intent seems to be an effort to dilute our effectiveness.’ The new competition on the block – the Professional Educators Network of Florida, or PEN, – says it’s simply a matter of fairness. ‘The bottom line is choice,’ said Cathy Demoisey, PEN’s administrative director in Jacksonville. PEN was founded in November 1995 with a $40,000 grant from the conservative James Madison Institute in Tallahassee, which merged late last year with the Foundation for Florida’s Future, a Miami-based group started by Bush that founded the state’s first charter school.” [Orlando Sentinel, 5/18/99]

Teachers Union Leaders Said The Creation Of PEN Was Retribution For Opposing Gov. Jeb Bush’s Voucher Program. According to the Orlando Sentinel, “After two months of battling the state’s teachers unions over public school reforms, the Republican-led Legislature has opened the door to a group the unions fear could dilute their political and bargaining strength. Union leaders say it’s retribution for their battle against GOP Gov. Jeb Bush’s ‘A+’ education-reform package, especially the state’s first-ever voucher program, and for supporting Bush’s Democratic opponent in the 1998 governor’s race. ‘They’re attempting to punish us for supporting education and not selling out to the voucher plan,’ said David Clark of the Florida Teaching Profession-National Education Association, one of the state’s two teachers unions. ‘The intent seems to be an effort to dilute our effectiveness.’ The new competition on the block – the Professional Educators Network of Florida, or PEN, – says it’s simply a matter of fairness. ‘The bottom line is choice,’ said Cathy Demoisey, PEN’s administrative director in Jacksonville. PEN was founded in November 1995 with a $40,000 grant from the conservative James Madison Institute in Tallahassee, which merged late last year with the Foundation for Florida’s Future, a Miami-based group started by Bush that founded the state’s first charter school.” [Orlando Sentinel, 5/18/99]

Bush’s Education Package “Allowed Groups Such As PEN To Attend Teachers’ Meetings, Solicit Membership Through Teachers’ Mailboxes And Deduct Dues From Paychecks, A Privilege Previously Reserved For Unions.” According to the Orlando Sentinel, “When the Legislature passed Bush’s 167-page educational package, one provision allowed groups such as PEN to attend teachers’ meetings, solicit membership through teachers’ mailboxes and deduct dues from paychecks, a privilege previously reserved for unions. Both teachers unions tried to eliminate the provision, with some officials calling it punishment for not supporting Bush or his voucher plan. It didn’t work.” [Orlando Sentinel, 5/23/98]

James Madison Institute Was An “Anti-Union Think Tank That Included In Its Newsletter A ‘Florida Teacher Union Watch,’ Publicizing Cases Of Misconduct By Union Teachers.” According to The Tampa Tribune, “While he was in office, Bush’s foundation merged with the James Madison Institute, a conservative, anti-union think tank that included in its newsletter a ‘Florida Teacher Union Watch,’ publicizing cases of misconduct by union teachers.” [Tampa Tribune, 4/13/10]

After Purchasing $1.2 Million In Liability Insurance For Public School Teachers, The Florida Legislature Put “The Program Under The Control Of An Anti-Union Firm Affiliated With The James Madison Institute,” PEN. According to the Miami Herald, “The Legislature set aside $1.2 million to buy liability insurance for public school teachers, but the fine print puts the program under the control of an anti-union firm affiliated with the James Madison Institute, a conservative think tank. […]Sen. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, asked Webster why the Legislature would ‘designate state funds to specific private companies.’ Then a Republican, Sen. Burt Saunders of Naples, asked for time to draft an amendment requiring competitive bids for teachers’ insurance. Webster said he did not know the provision was in the budget until Sen. Daryl Jones, D-Miami, pointed it out. Facing hostile questions, Webster tabled the bill (SB 878). On Page 34 of the 420-page budget is a provision that says: ‘The Professional Educators Network shall purchase the coverage, and administer the program, and provide communications and notification to all instructional personnel of the benefits of the program.’ PEN was founded in 1995 with a grant from the James Madison Institute, which merged two years ago with the Foundation for Florida’s Future, a policy group headed by Jeb Bush before he became governor.” [Miami Herald, 5/4/01]

The FEA Said The PEN Provision “Was Added Behind Closed Doors, Outside Public Scrutiny, And Without Knowledge Of Most Members, If Not All, Of The Education Conference Committee.” According to the Miami Herald, “The Florida Education Association, the union for teachers, began mobilizing opposition to the bill Thursday. FEA sent fliers to lawmakers saying the PEN provision ‘was added behind closed doors, outside public scrutiny and without knowledge of most members, if not all, of the Education Conference Committee.’” [Miami Herald, 5/4/01]

FEA’s Jeff Wright Said The PEN Provision Was “A Union Buster, Plain And Simple.” According to the Miami Herald, “‘It’s a union buster, plain and simple,’ said Jeff Wright of the FEA. ‘They’re doing everything they can to try and shut us down.’” [Miami Herald, 5/4/01]

JMI Published A Study That Claimed “That Collective Bargaining Is A Threat To State Sovereignty” Because “Serving The Public Can’t Be Reconciled With Career Interests.” According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Now, a new study by the James Madison Institute posits the novel idea that collective bargaining is a threat to state sovereignty. Robert ‘Jake’ Bebber, a doctoral candidate in public policy at the University of Central Florida and adjunct scholar at JMI, reasons that serving the public can’t be reconciled with career interests.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 8/22/05]

Bush Emailed With Academic Before 2002 Election Who Touted Plan To Use Tax Credit for Teaching Supplies To “Take Some Wind Out Of The Democratic Sails,” Bush Told Him to Speak to Stan Marshall At the James Madison Institute

Jeb Bush Received An Email From Dr. Paul Cothran About A Plan Concerning Florida Teachers That He Asserted Would “Take Some Wind Out Of The Democratic Sails” Before The 2002 Election. According to an email from Dr. Paul E. Cothran PhD to Gov. Jeb Bush on October 16, 2002, “This is a copy of an email I sent to Mike Harridopolis concerning an idea I had about doing something for Florida teachers before the election, to take some wind out of the Democratic sails. I have sent you two such emails and one to your education director but have received no response.” [Paul E. Cothran Email to Jeb Bush, 10/16/02]

Bush Emailed Cothran: “I Like This Idea As Well. You Might Want To Speak To Stan Marshall About This Concept. He Is The Chair Of The James Madison Institute In Tallahassee.” According to an email from Jeb Bush to Dr. Paul E. Cothran PhD on October 20, 2002, “i like this idea as well. You might want to speak to Stan Marshall about this concept. He is the Chair of the James Madison Institute in Tallahassee.” [Jeb Bush Email to Paul E. Cothran, 10/20/02]

Cothran’s Plan Would Have Given All Florida Teachers A “10% Discount On All Goods And Services they Purchased” At Participating Businesses And” That Savings Would Not Be Taxed As Income.” According to an email from Dr. Paul E. Cothran PhD to Gov. Jeb Bush on October 16, 2002, “DEFT would be a State-wide organization to which every teacher at all levels would automatically be a member. There would have to be funding to cover picture ID cards and I suggest a decal for each participating business to display indicating that they are supporting Florida Teachers. The funding could be from State funds or could be raised by volunteer contributions from the public who want to support such a program of ‘Teacher Appreciation’. I think busineses would be glad to join the program just for the favorable publicity they would receive. Imagine the benefit for teachers if they were able to get a 10% discount on all goods and services they purchased and that savings would not be taxed as income.” [Paul E. Cothran Email to Jeb Bush, 10/16/02]

Cothran Email To Bush: “The Recognition Given To The Teachers Plus The Monetary Savings Would Go A Long Way In Getting The Teachers Away From Unions.” According to an email from Dr. Paul E. Cothran PhD to Gov. Jeb Bush on October 16, 2002, “The recognition given to the teachers plus the monetary savings would go a long way in getting the teachers away from Unions which take their dues and offer them very little in return.” [Paul E. Cothran Email to Jeb Bush, 10/16/02]

Cothran Email To Bush: “Such A Program Would Also Show That The Republican Party Is Actually Interested In The Plight Of Teachers And Not Just Attempting To Win Votes.”According to an email from Dr. Paul E. Cothran PhD to Gov. Jeb Bush on October 16, 2002, “Such a program would also show that the Republican Party is actually interested in the plight of teachers and not just attempting to win votes.” [Paul E. Cothran Email to Jeb Bush, 10/16/02]

Registered Lobbyist Emailed With Bush to Follow Up On Discussion of Privatization of Payroll Deduction At James Madison Institute Dinner; Program Was Plagued With “Chronic Complaints” But Bush Extended Contract for Company; James Madison Institute And Koch-Backed Scholars Strongly Defended Bush’s Efforts

Bush Emailed Staff In Response to Email From Lobbyist On Privatization of Payroll Deduction Process, Who Referenced Discussion At James Madison Institute Dinner “On Behalf of My Client.”

Lobbyist Lori Hundley Emailed Jeb Bush On Behalf Of Her Client, Consolidated Billing, “Re: Our Discussion At The James Madison Institute Dinner… In Regards To Privatization Of The Payroll Deduction Process.” According to an email from Lori Hundley to Gov. Jeb Bush on December 6, 2000, “Subject: Re: Our Discussion at the James Madison Institute Dinner Dear Governor Bush, It was a pleasure meeting you last night, and I appreciate the opportunity to talk with you as you entered the dining room. Our discussion in regards to privatization of the payroll deduction process was on behalf of my client, Cosolidated Billing, which offers payroll deduction management services.” [Lori Hundley Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 12/6/00]

Bush Attended The JMI Dinner The Night Before. According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “The dinner banquets included prominent guest speakers such as William Bennett, co-director of Empower America; Governor Jeb Bush, who spoke at the December 5, 2000 dinner — his first public remarks just days after Florida’s historic electoral recount; former U.S. Attorney General Ed Meese; and Richard DeVos, founder of Amway and owner of the Orlando Magic.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

Bush Forwarded Hundley’s Email To Linda Buchanan In The Department Of Management Services, Saying “Please Respond.” According to an email from Gov. Jeb Bush to Linda Buchanan (DMS) on December 7, 2000, “Please respond.” [Gov. Jeb Bush Email to Linda Buchanan, 12/7/00]

Linda Buchanan Email To Gov. Jeb Bush On December 27, 2000: “This Was Handled Via A Telephone Call.” According to an email from Linda Buchanan to Gov. Jeb Bush on December 27, 2000, “This was handled via a telephone call. Linda Buchanan” [Linda Buchanan Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 12/27/00]

In 2000, Hundley Was a Registered Lobbyist For Accredited Surety and Casualty Companies, LEF Construction, Inc., And Spearman Management. [leg.state.fl.us viaarchive.org, 8/15/00]

After Privatization of Personnel Services and Payroll Deductions Went Online in 2005, System Received “Chronic Complaints,” Was Two Years Behind Schedule, Was Projected to Save Only a Fifth of Originally Projected $93 Million Savings

Gov. Jeb Bush’s Administration Negotiated A Contract With The Company Convergys To Privatize “Personnel Services” Including Payroll Deductions In 2001-02.According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Secretary Bill Simon also recommended withholding nearly $4.6 million from the company to cover the cost of keeping the state’s old computers running while the new system was delayed and withholding another $85,571 in overtime for correcting all the system’s payroll errors. Simon’s recommendation coincided with discovery of a new Convergys glitch, this time with payroll deductions for the United Way.Former DMS Secretary Cynthia Henderson negotiated the seven-year, $278 million contract with Convergys in 2001-02. Privatizing personnel services and giving employees online access to their time sheets and files was intended to avoid the $60 million to $80 million cost of replacing the state’s antiquated personnel computer system. It also eliminated about 900 state jobs.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 2/3/05]

After The Privatization “Went Online” There Were “Chronic Complaints Of Erroneous Withholding, Insurance Cancellations, Delayed Overtime Payments, And Prolonged Waits.” According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Since fall, when all 32 state agencies and 212,000 employees and retirees went online, there have been chronic complaints of erroneous withholding, insurance cancellations, delayed overtime payments and prolonged waits on the Convergys help line.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 2/3/05]

Tallahassee Democrat Editorial: The Privatization Contract “Produced What Might Be Called A Comedy Of Errors If Not For The Utter Despair Caused By Some Of The Human And Systemic Errors.” According to an editorial in the Tallahassee Democrat, “That’s because Mr. [Robert] Hosay was a major player in designing the outsourcing contract with Convergys, the largest privatization contract in state government, and which has produced what might be called a comedy of errors if not for the utter despair caused by some of the human and systemic errors.” [Editorial – Tallahassee Democrat, 2/6/05]

AFSCME Special Counsel Alma Gonzalez Said “Companies And Lobbyists With Republican Connections… Have Profited From Privatization” In Florida. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Alma Gonzalez, special counsel to AFSCME state president Jeanette Wynn, said Bush initiatives in ‘outsourcing’ have not saved taxpayers money or improved services. She cited efforts to privatize state personnel services with Convergys, contracting for computer services with Accenture, and BearingPoint and some Department of Children and Families projects. She said companies and lobbyists with Republican connections, including some former executives of state agencies now working in the private sector, have profited from privatization.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 2/8/05]

The Personnel Services Privatization Project Was Two Years Behind Schedule In 2005. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “But with the mammoth Convergys project running about two years behind schedule, and state employees howling about errors in payroll deductions and long waits on telephone help lines, even GOP lawmakers have taken a skeptical view of privatization this year. Committees in both chambers have made it a high priority for the session that starts a month from today.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 2/8/05]

The Personnel Services Privatization Was Initially Projected To Save Taxpayers $93 Million, But The Savings Were “Projected To Be About A Fifth Of The Original Estimate.” According to the St. Petersburg Times, “Three years ago, Gov. Jeb Bush decided to hire a private company to handle personnel services for state government. The projected savings to taxpayers: $93-million. It didn’t work out that way. The savings are now projected to be about a fifth of the original estimate. And state employees are furious about lousy service.” [St. Petersburg Times, 2/17/05]

“Despite The Problems,” The Bush Administration “Extended Convergys’ Contract By Two Years- Giving The Company The Opportunity To Earn An Additional $88-Million.” According to the St. Petersburg Times, “Rep. Franklin Sands, D-Weston, said he could not understand why, despite the problems, the state extended Convergys’ contract by two years – giving the company the opportunity to earn an additional $88-million. ‘It’s a golden lollipop,’ Sands said.” [St. Petersburg Times, 2/17/05]

James Madison Institute Strongly Defended Bush’s Privatization Initiatives, Institute Fellow and Director of Government Reform Policy at Koch-Backed Reason and Urged Him to “Stay the Course”

2005: JMI And Reason Fellow Geoffrey Segal Praised Gov. Bush’s “Strong Support Of Making Government Compete With The Private Sector.” According to an opinion by director of Government Reform Policy at Reason and JMI Fellow Geoffrey Segal for the James Madison institute, “Governor Bush has taken a lot of flak for his strong support of making government compete with the private sector. During his tenure, more than 120 projects ranging from prison food service to maintenance in state parks have been initiated, saving the state millions of dollars while simultaneously improving services.” [Geoffrey Segal – JMI, 5/6/05]

JMI Scholar Geoffrey F. Segal On Private Payroll Contract: “A Chief Benefit Of The Initiative Was That It Allows The State To Devote Fewer Internal Resources To Burdensome ‘Back Office’ Administrative Tasks.” According to an article written by James Madison Institute scholar Geoffrey F. Segal in JMI’s Backgrounder, “The state entered into a contract with Convergys Corporation of Ohio to administer almost all of its routine personnel functions, including payroll, insurance benefits, employee training and recruiting. The contract was highly touted and initially was estimated to save $173 million over seven years. The state was going to avoid $80 million in capital spending to replace an aging computer system, and was also going to save millions of dollars in recurring expenses for many fiscal years to come. A chief benefit of the initiative was that it allows the state to devote fewer internal resources to burdensome ‘back office’ administrative tasks and instead concentrate resources on the core mission, responsibilities and programs of state government.” [Geoffrey F. Segal – Backgrounder via JamesMadison.org, April 2005]

Segal: “There Are Several Services And Functions For Which Other States Have Used Competitive Pressures To Innovate, Improve Results, And Save Money.” According to an article written by James Madison Institute scholar Geoffrey F. Segal in JMI’s Backgrounder, “There are several services and functions for which other states have used competitive pressures to innovate, improve results, and save money.” [Geoffrey F. Segal – Backgrounder via JamesMadison.org, April 2005]

Segal: “Florida Has Been At The Forefront Of Privatization For Years” And “Gov. Jeb Bush Has Been An Ardent Supporter” Of It. According to an article written by James Madison Institute scholar Geoffrey F. Segal in JMI’s Backgrounder, “Florida has been at the forefront of privatization for years. The administrations of Govs. Bob Graham, Bob Martinez, and Lawton Chiles have supported several privatization initiatives, and Gov. Jeb Bush has been an ardent supporter of privatization and results based government.” [Geoffrey F. Segal – Backgrounder via JamesMadison.org, April 2005]

Segal: “Gov. Jeb Bush Was Not The First To Bring Competitive Sourcing To The Sunshine State, And He Certainly Won’t Be The Last To Embrace Its Awesome Powers To Reform How Government Interacts With Taxpayers.”

According to an article written by James Madison Institute scholar Geoffrey F. Segal in JMI’s Backgrounder, “There is a long history in Florida with competitive sourcing—a history that extends beyond party lines, administrations, and even decades. Gov. Jeb Bush was not the first to bring competitive sourcing to the sunshine state, and he certainly won’t be the last to embrace its awesome powers to reform how government interacts with taxpayers.” [Geoffrey F. Segal – Backgrounder via JamesMadison.org, April 2005]

Segal: “Saving Money And Improving Services Will Always Be At The Top Of Every Governor’s Goals — And Competitive Sourcing Is A Proven Tool To Assist Them.”According to an article written by James Madison Institute scholar Geoffrey F. Segal in JMI’s Backgrounder, “Saving money and improving services will always be at the top of every Governor’s goals — and competitive sourcing is a proven tool to assist them.” [Geoffrey F. Segal – Backgrounder via JamesMadison.org, April 2005]

Segal: “Stay The Course” On Privatization Efforts. According to an article written by James Madison Institute scholar Geoffrey F. Segal in JMI’s Backgrounder, “Most Floridians want their tax dollars spent in the most effective and efficient manner possible. If there is one thing to learn, it is that competition works to promote efficiency and restrain costs. Governments at every level have embraced it and will continue to do so. The moral: Stay the course.” [Geoffrey F. Segal – Backgrounder via JamesMadison.org, April 2005]

BUSH-FOUNDED FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION WORKED REPEATEDLY WITH JAMES MADISON INSTITUTE TO ISSUE “REPORT CARDS FOR ALEC

The Foundation For Excellence In Education Is An Associate Member Of The State Policy Network. According to the State Policy Network’s Member Directory, The Foundation for Excellence In Education is an Associate Member of SPN. [SPN.org, accessed 2/27/15]

The Foundation For Excellence In Education Was Founded By Jeb Bush In 2008. According to the Foundation for Excellence in Education’s website, “Founded by former Governor Jeb Bush in 2008, the Foundation for Excellence in Education’s (ExcelinEd) unique contribution is working with decision makers on developing and implementing reform policies. We are a hands-on, how-to organization that provides model legislation, rule-making expertise, implementation strategies, and public outreach. Our staff has years of experience working with state and local governments, legislative bodies, in the classroom, and with the media.” [excelined.org, accessed 2/27/15]

Bush Spoke At ALEC’s 40^th Annual Meeting In August 2013 On Education Reform

Gov. Jeb Bush Spoke At ALEC’s 40^th Annual Meeting In August 2013. According to the Guardian, “Ex-Florida governor Jeb Bush speaks at Alec’s 40th annual meeting in August. Alec has identified more than 40 lapsed corporate members.” [Guardian, 12/3/13]

Bush’s Speech Focused On Education Reform. According to a press release from the Foundation for Excellence in Education, “Governor Jeb Bush Delivers Education Reform Address to the American Legislative Exchange Council.” [Foundation for Excellence in Education, 8/9/13]

Foundation for Excellence In Education, ALEC, and JMI Issued “Report Card” On Education; Staffer Employed By Bush At Foundation for Excellence in Education “Wrote The Past Two ALEC Report Cards.”

Orlando Sentinel: “Jeb Bush Group, ALEC, And James Madison Institute To Present Report Card, Briefing On ‘Student Learning Options.’” According to the Orlando Sentinel via the James Madison Institute website, “Jeb Bush group, ALEC and James Madison Institute to present report card, briefing on ‘student learning options.’” [Orlando Sentinel via James Madison Institute, 1/30/13]

Matthew Ladner Was “On Staff With Bush’s Foundation For Excellence In Education And Also Wrote The Past Two ALEC Report Cards.” According to the Orlando Sentinel via the James Madison Institute, “The advisor, Matthew Ladner, is on staff with Bush’s Foundation for Excellence in Education and also wrote the past two ALEC report cards. ALEC, or the American Legislative Exchange Council, is a conservative group that pushes for education reform (among other issues).” [Orlando Sentinel via James Madison Institute,1/30/13]

January 2015: Bush Attended Education Summit Co-Sponsored by His Foundation for Excellence In Education, James Madison Institute

In January 2015, Bush Attended An Education Summit In Tallahassee Co-Sponsored By The Foundation For Excellence In Education And The James Madison Institute.According to the Tampa Bay Times, “Jeb Bush’s education foundation will hold a summit on Feb. 10 that the former governor will attend along with Gov. Rick Scott, Senate President Andy Gardiner and House Speaker Steve Crisafulli. The Foundation for Excellence in Education announced the summit today and said Bush will attend. (Conveniently, the presidential hopeful also has a fundraiser in Tallahassee that day). ‘The half-day event, 2-5 p.m., at The Alumni Center in Tallahassee, Fla., is convening top Florida policymakers and education stakeholders for a conversation about accountability and choice, two of the most important factors for unlocking student potential. Event cohosts include Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Council of 100, Hispanic CREO, the James Madison Institute, the Multicultural Education Alliance, and the Urban League of Greater Miami.’” [Tampa Bay Times, 1/23/15]

JAMES MADISON INSTITUTE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE KOCH-BACKED STATE POLICY NETWORK OR ITS PRECEDING ORGANIZATION SINCE AT LEAST 1991, DURING BUSH’S TENURE ON THE ORGANIZATION’S BOARD

In 1998, The James Madison Institute’s Website “Friends” Tab Redirected To A List Of State Policy Network Members. According to a captured version ofjamesmadison.org from December 1998 via archive.org, “Friends” redirected to jamesmadison.org/spn which contained a list of State Policy Network members. [jamesmadison.orgvia archive.org, 12/1/98]

The James Madison Institute Has Very Deep Ties To The Koch Network

CITIZENS FOR A SOUND ECONOMY AND JAMES MADISON INSTITUTE SHARED A BOARD MEMBER IN L. CHARLES HILTON

Citizens for a Sound Economy Board Member L. Charles Hilton Was Also A Board Member of James Madison Institute. [Citizens for a Sound Economy, 11/15/03]

KOCH-AFFILIATED ENTITIES DONATED OVER $1.4 MILLION DIRECTLY TO JAMES MADISON INSTITUTE

The Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation Donated $108,479 To The James Madison Institute Between 2007 And 2012. According to tax documents from the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation, the Koch Foundation made 6 contributions totaling $108,479 to the James Madison Institute from 2007 to 2012. [Koch Foundation Tax Documents, accessed 2/27/15]

DonorsTrust And Donors Capital Fund Donated $1,273,242 To The James Madison Institute Between 2005 And 2012. According to tax documents from DonorsTrust and Donors Capital Fund, the two organizations made 27 contributions totaling $1,273,242 from 2005 to 2012. [Donors Trust and Donors Capital Fund Tax Documents, accessed2/27/15]

The Cato Institute Donated $100,000 To The James Madison Institute In 2006. According to tax documents from the Cato Institute from 01/01/2006 to 03/31/2006, Cato awarded $100,000 to the James Madison Institute “to help fund like-minded 501(c)(3) orgs.” [Cato Institute Tax Documents, 3/31/06]

The James Madison Institute Is Listed As A Partner Organization For The Charles Koch Institute’s “Liberty@Work” Program. According to the Charles Koch Institute, the James Madison Institute is a Liberty@Work Partner Organization. [Charles Koch Institute, accessed 3/2/15]

The James Madison Institute Is A Member Of The State Policy Network. According to the State Policy Network’s Member Directory, the James Madison Institute is an SPN Member. [SPN.org, accessed 2/27/15]

GEORGE W. GIBBS III

Gibbs W. Gibbs III Contributed $150,000 To Freedom Partners Action Fund. According to an FEC filing from Freedom Partners Action Fund, George W. Gibbs, III contributed $150,000 on July 2, 2014. [Freedom Partners Action Fund FEC Filing via FEC.gov, Accessed 2/27/15]

Gibbs Was A Board Member Of The James Madison Institute. According to a biography published by the James Madison Institute, George W. Gibbs III served on the Board of the James Madison Institute. [James Madison Institute, viewed 10/14/14]

Gibbs Supports Several Koch-Connected Groups Including Institute for Humane Studies, Mercatus, and Cato. According to a biography published by the James Madison Institute, “Over the years, George has supported several organizations that uphold his belief that the free market system must be maintained and that the government that ‘governs least governs best’. These organizations include Institute of Humane Studies, Mercatus, American Enterprise Institute, CATO and The James Madison Institute (where he is also a board member). In 2006, Atlantic Marine was sold to a private equity group which has allowed George time to become more involved in philanthropy. In 2008 George started the Gibbs Family Foundation which supports organizations that work toward free markets, smaller government and personal freedoms.” [James Madison Institute, viewed 10/14/14]

Gibbs Attended The February 2014 Koch Brothers Summit, Where He Was Scheduled To Meet With Chase Koch, Charles Koch’s Son. According to Mother Jones, “Attendees of these summits are warned that the seminars, where the Kochs and their allies hatch strategies for electing Republicans and advancing conservative initiatives on the state and national levels, are strictly confidential; they are cautioned to keep a close eye on their meeting notes and materials. But last week, following the Kochs’ first donor gathering of 2014, one attendee left behind a sensitive document at the Renaissance Esmeralda resort outside of Palm Springs, California, where the Kochs and their comrades had spent three days focused on winning the 2014 midterm elections and more. The document lists VIP donors—including John Schnatter, the founder of the Papa John’s pizza chain—who were scheduled for one-on-one meetings with representatives of the political, corporate, and philanthropic wings of Kochworld. […] Charles Koch’s 36-year-old son, Chase, the president of Koch Fertilizer, was also scheduled to take part in a meeting with a donor named George Gibbs.” [Mother Jones, 02/05/14]

Gibbs Founded The Gibbs Family Foundation “Which Supports Organizations That Work Towards Free Markets, Smaller Government, And Personal Freedoms.”According to a biography published by the James Madison Institute, “Over the years, George has supported several organizations that uphold his belief that the free market system must be maintained and that the government that ‘governs least governs best’. These organizations include Institute of Humane Studies, Mercatus, American Enterprise Institute, CATO and The James Madison Institute (where he is also a board member). In 2006, Atlantic Marine was sold to a private equity group which has allowed George time to become more involved in philanthropy. In 2008 George started the Gibbs Family Foundation which supports organizations that work toward free markets, smaller government and personal freedoms.” [James Madison Institute, viewed 10/14/14]

In 2012, The Gibbs Family Foundation Donated To: George Mason University Foundation, James Madison Institute, Cato Institute, And The Institute for Humane Studies. According to a 990 form filed in 2012 by the Gibbs Family Foundation, the Foundation donated $5,000 each to the George Mason University Foundation, James Madison Institute, and the Cato Institute, and donated $10,000 to the Institute for Humane Studies. All donations were marked “For General Use.” [Gibbs Family Foundation 2012 990 forms, viewed10/14/14]

In 2011, The Gibbs Family Foundation Donated To: The Reason Foundation, The James Madison Institute, The Cato Institute, The Mercatus Center, and The Institute for Humane Studies. According to a 990 form filed in 2011 by the Gibbs Family Foundation, the Foundation donated $5,000 each to the Reason Foundation, the James Madison Institute, the Cato Institute, the Mercatus Center, and the Institute for Humane Studies. All donations were marked “For General Use.” [Gibbs Family Foundation 2011 990 forms, viewed 10/14/14]

In 2010, The Gibbs Family Foundation Donated To: The Cato Institute, The Clare Booth Luce Policy Institute, The George Mason University Foundation, and the Institute for Humane Studies. According to a 990 form filed in 2010 by the Gibbs Family Foundation, the Foundation donated $5,000 to the Cato Institute, $4,000 each to the Clare Booth Luce Policy Institute and the Institute for Humane Studies, and $10,000 to the George Mason University Foundation. All donations were marked “For General Use.” [Gibbs Family Foundation 2010 990 forms, viewed 10/14/14]

National Labor Relations Board Upheld Complaint That Gibbs III Directed or Participated In Assaults Against Union Organizers

George W. Gibbs, III Was Vice President Of Gibbs Corporation. According to the National Labor Relations Board’s decision in Gibbs Corp, 709 (Case 12-CA-001153), “During the afternoon of August 10, as the day shift ceased work, three organizers for the Union stationed themselves on Flagler Avenue outside the gate in order to distribute handbills. […] While these organizers were distributing handbills to employees who were on foot or in automobiles, a group of persons came out of the shipyard. Within the group were George W. Gibbs III, vice president of Gibbs Corporation and manager of Southern; Rex Dorman, vice president of Gibbs Corporation and director of industrial relations for both Respondents; and supervisors named Deneen, Hartley, and Ingle. One or more of those persons told the organizers that the latter were on private property and directed them to get off. Polston went to a telephone and called a policeman who soon arrived. The events of the afternoon ended without violence although vulgar remarks were exchanged.” [NLRB Case 12-CA-001153 November 18, 1960, viewed 10/16/14]

National Labor Relations Board Upheld Complaint That Gibbs III “Directed … Assaults Or Otherwise Participated In Them” Against Men Passing Out Union Fliers. According to the National Labor Relations Board’s decision in Gibbs Corp, 709 (Case 12-CA-001153), “The Board has reviewed the rulings of the Trial Examiner made at the hearing and finds that no prejudicial error was committed. The rulings are hereby affirmed. The Board has considered the Intermediate Report, the exceptions and brief, and the entire record in the cases, and hereby adopts the findings,’ conclusions, and recommendations 2 of the Trial Examiner, with the additions and modifications set forth below. As indicated in the Intermediate Report, the complaint allegations involving the assaults upon the union organizers on August 10 turns crucially upon proof that Respondents’ officials or supervisors directed these assaults or otherwise participated in them. In sustaining this aspect of the complaint, the Trial Examiner relied both on: (1) circumstantial evidence tending to prove that Gibbs and/or Dorman knew of the plan of attack in advance and either instigated it or encouraged its effectuation, and (2) direct and other evidence provided by credible testimony establishing that they actively participated in acts of assault.” [NLRB Case 12-CA-001153 November 18, 1960, viewed 10/16/14]

Gibbs “Directed” Another Man To Hit A Union Organizer After The Man Hit The Organizer “With A Metal Object Attached To His Fist, Gibbs Also Did So With His Open Hand Or Arm.” According to the National Labor Relations Board’s decision in Gibbs Corp, 709 (Case 12-CA-001153), “Gibbs and Dorman admitted being present at the assault and that they both returned to the plant that evening after telephone contact with each other because they had heard that there might be some trouble. Examination of the testimony of credited witnesses indicates that : (1) earlier that afternoon, and in Gibbs’ presence, Dorman told three of the five union organizers subsequently assaulted, ‘If you continue to come over here there’s going to be trouble’; 3 (2) Dorman carried a blackjack that night; (3) one of the assaulted union organizers (McKinnon) was hit by a blackjack; (4) Gibbs and Dorman were in the group of about 15 men which included Wilson, the prime actor in the attack ; and (5 ) during the melee, Gibbs directed Wilson to ‘get’ Polston, and, after Wilson hit him with a metal object attached to his fist, Gibbs also did so with his open hand or arm.” [NLRB Case 12-CA-001153 November 18, 1960, viewed 10/16/14]

NLRB: “We Are Satisfied,” Of Gibbs’s “Participation In The Assaults Of August 10, 1959… This Conduct Was Directed To Discouraging Organizational Activity On Behalf Of The Union.” According to the National Labor Relations Board’s decision in Gibbs Corp, 709 (Case 12-CA-001153), “We are satisfied, on the basis of all the foregoing evidence, of the Respondents’ participation in the assaults of August 10, 1959. We are further convinced, as was the Trial Examiner, that this conduct was directed to discouraging organizational activity on behalf of the Union.4 We conclude, accordingly, as did the Trial Examiner, that the Respondents thereby engaged in conduct in violation of Section 8(a)(1) of the Act.” [NLRB Case 12-CA-001153 November 18, 1960, viewed 10/16/14]

NLRB: “There Is No Doubt That Brutal Assaults And Batteries Occurred.” According to the National Labor Relations Board’s decision in Gibbs Corp, 709 (Case 12-CA-001153), “The principal issue is whether, at 12:01 a.m , on August 11, 1959, at the intersection of public streets outside Southern’s shipyard, when organizers for the Union were preparing to distribute handbills to workers leaving the shipyard, representatives of the Respondents led a group of individuals in assaults and batteries upon the organizers. There is no doubt that brutal assaults and batteries occurred. The question is whether the Respondents’ representatives participated. The defense is that the organizers were attacked by a rival union group and that the representatives of the Respondent were present only during the latter stages of the attack and only for the purpose of stopping it.” [NLRB Case 12-CA-001153 November 18, 1960, viewed 10/16/14]

NLRB Documents Describe Attacks In Which One Organizer Was “Battered Severely,” Including Being Punched With Metal Knuckles, And Another Was Hit With A Blackjack. According to the National Labor Relations Board’s decision in Gibbs Corp, 709 (Case 12-CA-001153), “George, a man of 65 years, was grabbed by someone who pinned his elbows to his sides. Someone else hit George on the hand with a blackjack and slapped his face. Meanwhile, McCarthy, a man of 45 years, 5 feet 11 inches in height and weighing 170 pounds, was battered to the ground when Bill Wilson, an employee of Gibbs Corporation who works on the day shift, rushed into McCarthy in the manner of a football player blocking another. Polston, Crawford, and McKinnon, observing events from Polston’s automobile, got out and went into the street intersection. As Polston was saying that the organizers did not want trouble, Wilson, with metal knuckles on his fist, hit Polston a damaging blow to the face, knocking Polston to the ground Polston arose and someone else hit him. He tried to escape by running south on Flagler Avenue toward its intersection with Mary Street, which lies parallel with June Street about 150 feet distant. Some of the attackers followed him. When near Mary Street, Polston, a man of 44 years, 5 feet 8 inches in height, and weighing 225 pounds, decided that he could not escape. He stopped As he testified, he is ‘too fat and short … to run far.’ Again Polston was battered severely.” [NLRB Case 12-CA-001153 November 18, 1960, viewed 10/16/14]

One Of The Organizers Was Knocked Unconscious. According to the National Labor Relations Board’s decision in Gibbs Corp, 709 (Case 12-CA-001153), “As Crawford sought to reach Polston to get him into the auto, Wilson said to Crawford that Wilson had told ‘you all not to come back over here or else there was going to be trouble.’ Crawford replied that ‘we’re in our rights and we’ll be back,’ whereupon Wilson hit him in the mouth and knocked him to the ground. As McKinnon started to pick up Crawford, McKinnon was hit with a blackjack. Crawford arose, was hit on the back of the neck with a blackjack, and lost consciousness.” [NLRB Case 12-CA-001153 November 18, 1960, viewed 10/16/14]

NLRB: Before Assault, Gibbs III Threatened Union Organizers. According to the National Labor Relations Board’s decision in Gibbs Corp, 709 (Case 12-CA-001153), “The complaint alleges that Gibbs threatened the organizers if they should return to continue their organizational efforts, and the testimony of the General Counsel supports that allegation. On the other hand, the Respondents’ testimony is to the contrary. In view of my credibility determinations below, I credit the testimony for the General Counsel C.” [NLRB Case 12-CA-001153 November 18, 1960, viewed 10/16/14]

Gibbs’ And Other Respondents Defense: “This Entire Complaint Appears To Be Just A Typical Organizers Trick.” According to the National Labor Relations Board’s decision in Gibbs Corp, 709 (Case 12-CA-001153), “In their brief, the Respondents assert: This entire Complaint appears to be just a typical organizers trick.” [NLRB Case 12-CA-001153 November 18, 1960, viewed 10/16/14]

Court Of Appeals For Fifth Circuit Upheld NLRB’s Finding That Management Was Involved In The “Unprovoked Attack Made Upon The Union Men.” According to NLRB v Gibbs Corporation 297 F.2d 649, “The Board found, with substantial supporting evidence, that there was an unprovoked attack made upon the Union men which was directed and participated in by supervisory personnel of the respondents […] It is enough for our purpose to repeat that there is substantial evidence on the record as a whole to support the findings of fact, and this being so the Board’s findings are not to be disturbed.” [US Court Of Appeals, Fifth Circuit’s Decision in NLRB v. Gibbs Corporation, 01/02/62]

FORMER FLORIDA SPEAKER ALLAN BENSE

Allan Bense Was The Chairman Of The Board Of The James Madison Institute. According to a biography published by the James Madison Institute, Allan Bense served as chairman of the board of the James Madison Institute. [James Madison Institute, accessed 3/2/15]

Bense Also Served As A Board Member Of Jeb Bush’s Foundation For Florida’s Future. According to a biography published by the James Madison Institute, Allan Bense served as a member of the Board for the Foundation for Florida’s Future. [James Madison Institute, accessed 3/2/15]

Bense Also Served As A Member Of The Board Of Trustees Of Florida State University. According to a biography published by the James Madison Institute, Allan Bense served on the Board of Trustees of Florida State University. [James Madison Institute, accessed 3/2/15]

JAMES MADISON INSTITUTE’S RESEARCH ADVISORY BOARD IS DEEPLY INTERCONNECTED WITH KOCH NETWORK

James Madison Institute’s Research Advisory Board Members Had Wide Range of Connections to Other Koch Funded or Controlled Entities, Including The Institute for Humane Studies, Mercatus Center, Cato Institute, Americans for Prosperity, And Significantly Koch-Funded American Legislative Exchange Council And Heartland Institute

James M. Taylor – Heartland Institute

James M. Taylor, Senior Fellow Of Environmental Policy At The Heartland Institute, Served On The Research Advisory Council Of The James Madison Institute. According to the James Madison Institute, James M. Taylor, J.D., Senior fellow of Environmental Policy, Heartland Institute was a member of JMI’s Research Advisory Council. [James Madison Institute, accessed 3/2/15]

Bradley Hobbs, Institute for Humane Studies, Koch Associate Program

Bradley Hobbs, Professor Of Free Enterprise At Florida Gulf Coast University, Served On The Research Advisory Council Of The James Madison Institute. According to the James Madison Institute, Dr. Bradley K. Hobbes, Professor of Free Enterprise, Florida Gulf Coast University, was a member of JMI’s Research Advisory Council. [James Madison Institute, accessed 3/2/15]

Hobbs “Has Written For The Foundation For Economic Education,” Written And Taught For “The Institute For Humane Studies, And Taught For The Koch Associate Program. According to the James Madison Institute, “Bradley K. Hobbs is the BB&T Distinguished Professor of Free Enterprise at Florida Gulf Coast University. Professor Hobbs earned his undergraduate degree in history and his Ph.D. in economics from Florida State University (1991). His interests are wide in range encompassing economic history, the moral and philosophical foundations of free markets, property rights, economic freedom, and teaching methodologies. He has published in Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, The Journal of Accounting and Finance Research, Journal of Real Estate Research, Laissez-Faire, Journal of Executive Education, Financial Practice and Education, and Research in Finance, among others. He has also has written for the Foundation for Economic Education, the Institute for Humane Studies and the Florida Council on Economic Education. Professor Hobbs has been active in leading undergraduate research and was recently recruited as the founding Faculty Advisor for a new undergraduate research journal, the Journal of Liberty and Society. He has been a member of the National Teaching Faculty for the Foundation for Teaching Economics since 2001, taught for the Institute for Humane Studies, The Koch Associate Program and is active in The Liberty Fund having participated in programs as a participant, Discussion Leader, and Director. He also serves on the Executive Board of the Association for Private Enterprise.” [James Madison Institute, Accessed 3/20/15]

Barry Poulson – Americans for Prosperity

Barry Poulson Was “Associated With Americans For Prosperity” And Was “A Research Fellow Of The James Madison Institute.” According to an opinion by economist Barry Poulson in the Tallahassee Democrat, “Economist Barry W. Poulson is a research fellow of the James Madison Institute, a nonpartisan policy center based in Tallahassee. He also is on the Colorado Commission on Taxation and is associated with Americans for Prosperity. Contact him at poulson@colorado.edu” [Barry Poulson – Tallahassee Democrat, 3/6/08]

Poulson Was “An Advisor To The Task Force On Tax And Fiscal Policy Of The American Legislative Exchange Council” And Was An Expert With The Heartland Institute. According to Barry Poulson’s Expert Biography at the Heartland Institute, “He [Barry Poulson] is an Advisor to the Task Force on Tax and Fiscal Policy of the American Legislative Exchange Council and serves as a consultant on fiscal policy and fiscal constitutions to a number of state and national think tanks.” [Heartland Institute, 3/2/15]

Linda Raeder – Institute for Humane Studies

Linda Raeder, Associate Professor Of Political Science At Palm Beach Atlantic University, Served On The Research Advisory Council Of The James Madison Institute.According to the James Madison Institute, Dr. Linda Raeder, Associate Professor of Political Science, Palm Beach Atlantic University, was a member of JMI’s Research Advisory Council. [James Madison Institute, accessed 3/2/15]

Raeder Was Awarded “A Lambe Fellowship By The Institute For Humane Studies.” According to the James Madison Institute, “As a conference participant in the United States and Germany, she has presented papers such as ‘Civil Society and the Renewal of American Culture,’ ‘The Nature of Civil Society,’ ‘The Psychological Presidency,’ ‘Liberalism and the Common Good’ and ‘The Rule of Law.’ She has been awarded numerous academic fellowships, including a Lambe Fellowship by the Institute for Humane Studies, a Weaver Fellowship by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, an Earhart Foundation Fellowship, an Albright Fellowship by the University of Richmond and a Governor’s Fellowship by the University of Virginia. She also serves as a peer reviewer for scholarly journals in her field.” [James Madison Institute, accessed 3/2/15]

Dino Falaschetti – Mercatus Center at George Mason University

Dino Falaschetti, Director Of Operations, Mercatus Center At George Mason University, Served On The Research Advisory Council Of The James Madison Institute.According to the James Madison Institute, Dr. Dino Falaschetti, Director of Operations, Mercatus Center at George Mason University, was a member of JMI’s Research Advisory Council. [James Madison Institute, accessed 3/2/15]

Keith Leslie – Charles Koch Summer Fellow

Keith Leslie, Development Associate At JMI, Was A Charles Koch Summer Fellow. According to a biography from the James Madison Institute, “Keith Leslie is a Development Associate of The James Madison Institute. He graduated from Florida State University in 2012 with his B.S. in Economics, and is currently pursuing his Master’s in Applied Economics. He is also a participant of the 2013 Charles Koch Summer Fellow Program, serving as a State-Based Fellow. Prior to joining the JMI staff, Keith participated in the Institute’s internship program for two semesters. During his internship, Keith’s writings were featured in newspapers in Tallahassee and Sarasota.” [James Madison Institute, accessed 3/4/15]

Randal O-Toole – Cato Institute

Randal O’Toole Wrote “Great Rail Disasters” Attacking Rail Transit For The James Madison Institute / Foundation For Florida’s Future In 2004. [Randal O’Toole- James Madison Institute / Foundation for Florida’s Future, 2/17/04]

Streetsblog USA: “The Kochs…Have Plenty Of Ties To Widely Quoted, Transit-Bashing Pundits Like Randall O’Toole, Wendell Cox, And Stanley Kurtz.”According to Streetsblog USA, “The Kochs also have plenty of ties to widely quoted, transit-bashing pundits like Randall O’Toole, Wendell Cox, and Stanley Kurtz — people employed by organizations that receive Koch funding, like the Cato Institute and the Reason Foundation, and who spout the same talking points against walkability and smart growth.” [Streetsblog USA, 9/25/14]

Streets Blog: “Cato Dispatches O’Toole To Political Squabbles Involving Rail Transit Around The Country, From Indianapolis To Honolulu.” According to Streets Blog, “[Randal] O’Toole works for the Cato Institute, founded and funded by the Koch brothers. Cato dispatches O’Toole to political squabbles involving rail transit around the country, from Indianapolis to Honolulu. He’s so rabidly anti-rail that after Hurricane Sandy, he suggested New York City should replace its subway system with a network of underground buses.” [Streets Blog, 2/26/15]

Streets Blog: O’Toole Is “So Rabidly Anti-Rail That After Hurricane Sandy, He Suggested New York City Should Replace Its Subway System With A Network Of Underground Buses.” According to Streets Blog, “[Randal] O’Toole works for the Cato Institute, founded and funded by the Koch brothers. Cato dispatches O’Toole to political squabbles involving rail transit around the country, from Indianapolis to Honolulu. He’s so rabidly anti-rail that after Hurricane Sandy, he suggested New York City should replace its subway system with a network of underground buses.” [Streets Blog, 2/26/15]

James Gwartney – Cato Institute

James Gwartney, Professor Of Economics At Florida State University Served On The Research Advisory Council Of The James Madison Institute. According to the James Madison Institute, Dr. James Gwartney, Professor of Economics, Florida State University, was a member of JMI’s Research Advisory Council. [James Madison Institute, accessed3/2/15]

JMI’s Longest Serving Staff Member, Susan Christian: “Dr. Marshall And James Gwartney Really Put Together The Skeleton Of JMI.” According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “With 17 years at The James Madison Institute, Susan Christian was the longest serving staff member, other than Dr. J. Stanley Marshall, who has been with the Institute since he founded it in 1987. Christian recognizes the effective roles of the many presidents and scholars she served under at JMI. “Dr. Marshall and James Gwartney really put together the skeleton of JMI,” said Christian. ‘And Dr. John Cooper put meat on the bones.’” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

Gwartney Was An Adjunct Scholar At Cato. According to a bio on the Cato Institute website, “James D. Gwartney is professor of economics and policy sciences at Florida State University. He is an expert on such economic issues as taxation, labor policy, and the economic analysis of government. He is coauthor of What Everyone Should Know about Economics and Prosperity, Economics: Public and Private Choice, and Economic Freedom of the World.” [Cato Institute, accessed 3/4/15]

Gwartney Has Been A Primary Co-Author Of The Cato Institute’s And The Fraser Institute’s Economic Freedom Of The World Annual Report From 2001 Through 2014. According to the Cato Institute’s Economic Freedom of the World page, “Potentially advantageous exchanges do not always occur. Their realization is dependent on the presence of sound money, rule of law, and security of property rights, among other factors. Economic Freedom of the World seeks to measure the consistency of the institutions and policies of various countries with voluntary exchange and the other dimensions of economic freedom. The report is copublished by the Cato Institute, the Fraser Institute in Canada and more than 70 think tanks around the world.” Gwartney is listed as the primary co-author in each year between 2001 and 2014. [Cato.org, accessed 3/5/14]

2009 Annual Report’s Acknowledgements: “Thanks Also Go To The Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation And The Searle Freedom Trust For Their Support.”According to the Economic Freedom of the World 2009 Annual Report, “Thanks also go to the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation and the Searle Freedom Trust for their support. Very special thanks go to Joshua Hall of Beloit College for his valuable assistance again with this year’s data revisions and updates. He would like to thank the Social Philosophy and Policy Center at Bowling Green State University for the support of its Visiting Scholar program during the summer of 2009. We are pleased to have Josh involved with the project.” [Economic Freedom of The World: 2009 Annual Report, 2009]

The Koch-Funded “Fraser Institute” Is A Right-Wing Canadian Think-Tank. According to the Guardian, “The case studies cited from ‘expert bodies’ include a Fraser Institute report entitled ‘Opportunities for First Nations Prosperity Through Oil and Gas Development.’ The right-wing think tank has been heavily funded by the American Koch brothers, who are one of the largest owners, purchasers and refiners of the Alberta tar sands.” [Guardian, 3/3/15]

Gwartney Was The 2004 Recipient Of The Adam Smith Award From APEE “For His Contribution To The Advancement Of Free Market Ideals.” According to the Florida State University Department of Economics Website, “In 2004 he [James Gwartney] was the recipient of the Adam Smith Award of the Association of Private Enterprise Education for his contribution to the advancement of free market ideals. He is the current President of the Southern Economic Association.” [Florida State University Department of Economics, accessed 3/4/15]

Koch Industries’ Discovery Newsletter: “Do You Like The Idea Of Reducing Poverty And Improving Our World… If You Do” Read James Gwartney’s Book Common Sense Economics. According to a Koch Industries Discovery Newsletter from January 2008, “Common Sense Economics: What everyone should know about wealth and prosperity by James Gwartney, Richard Stroup and Dwight Lee. Do you like the idea of reducing bpoverty and improving our world (two ideas that seem near and dear to most presidential candidates)? If you do, then Nobel Prizewinning economist Vernon Smith has a suggestion: read this book. The authors, notes Smith, provide a simple and straightforward explanation of how economic freedom benefits us all.” [Koch Industries’ Discovery Newsletter, January 2008]

Lora Holcomboe – Koch-Created Association of Private Enterprise Education

FSU Faculty Lora Holcombe Is “A Member Of The Association Of Private Enterprise Education (APEE), An Organization Created By Koch Family Foundations.” According to the Gainesville Scene, “Lora Holcombe teaches ‘introduction to principles of macroeconomics,”’ which is a required course for all business and economics majors. Holcombe is a member of the Association of Private Enterprise Education (APEE), an organization created by Koch Family Foundations.” [Gainesville Scene, 1/9/15]

The Required Textbook For Holcombe’s Class Was Written By James Gwartney Of APEE And Cato, Richard Stroup, Of Cato And The Institute For Energy Research, And Russell Sobel, Of APEE And Cato. According to the Gainesville Scene, “The required textbook for her introductory class, ‘Macroeconomics: Private and Public Choice,’ was written by authors with Koch ties. Among these authors is: James Gwartney, the president, vice president and executive board member of APEE and adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute, which was founded by Charles Koch; Richard Stroup, a fellow at the Cato Institute and the director of the Koch-founded Institute for Energy Research; Russell Sobel, executive board member of the Association of Private Enterprise Education and affiliate of the Cato Institute.” [Gainesville Scene, 1/9/15]

James Madison Institute and Ties to Koch-Funded Florida State University

JMI Senior Fellow Randall Holcombe Was A Professor Of Economics At FSU Since 1988. According to Randall Holcombe’s CV via his website, “Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306 DeVoe Moore Professor of Economics, since 1996; Professor of Economics, 1988 to 1996. […] Senior Fellow, The James Madison Institute, Tallahassee, Florida, 2004 to present, Chairman, Research Advisory Council, 1991 to 2004; Research Advisory Council Member, 1987 to 2004.” [RandallHolcombe.com, accessed 3/4/15]

FSU Associate Teaching Professor Lora Holcombe “Worked As An Independent Contractor With The James Madison Institute, Specializing In Research On Various School Choice Issues” From 1994-1997. According to a biography of Lora Holcombe on the FSU Department of Economics Website, “Dr. Holcombe began her teaching career at the University of Montevallo, a small liberal arts university located just south of Birmingham, AL. From Montevallo, she moved back to Auburn to teach for a few years before moving to Tallahassee to earn her Ph.D. She taught at FSU from 1988 – 1999 and then returned to teaching at FSU in the fall of 2006. From 1994-97, she worked as an independent contractor with the James Madison Institute, specializing in research on various school choice issues. Dr. Holcombe is published in various economics journals including the Journal of Institutional and Theoretical Economics, Public Finance Quarterly, and the International Journal of Manpower. Her research interests are school choice and teaching effectiveness. She is a member of Association of Private Enterprise Education.” [FSU Department of Economics, accessed 3/4/15]

Keith Leslie, Development Associate At JMI, Was An FSU Economics Graduate And Charles Koch Summer Fellow. According to a biography from the James Madison Institute, “Keith Leslie is a Development Associate of The James Madison Institute. He graduated from Florida State University in 2012 with his B.S. in Economics, and is currently pursuing his Master’s in Applied Economics. He is also a participant of the 2013 Charles Koch Summer Fellow Program, serving as a State-Based Fellow. Prior to joining the JMI staff, Keith participated in the Institute’s internship program for two semesters. During his internship, Keith’s writings were featured in newspapers in Tallahassee and Sarasota.” [James Madison Institute, accessed 3/4/15]

Andrea Castillo Was A JMI Intern And A FSU Economics Graduate. According to an opinion by Andrea Castillo in the Gainesville Sun, “Andrea Castillo is an undergraduate majoring in economics at Florida State University. She is also an intern at The James Madison Institute, a non-partisan think tank based in Tallahassee.” [Andrea Castillo – Gainesville Sun, 5/27/11]

Free Expression Policy Project: Koch-Funded Economics Professors Are “Misrepresenting Climate Science, ‘A Field Well Outside Of Their Credentialed Expertise.’” According to the Free Expression Policy Project, “A primary concern of Greenpeace is that the Koch funds are supporting professors and programs that are impeding attempts to stop or slow climate change. Greenpeace reports that Florida State’s economics department, heavily financed by Koch, appears to host professors who are misrepresenting climate science, ‘a field well outside of their credentialed expertise.’ Three of the four authors of a notorious economics textbook containing misinformation about climate science have ties to FSU.” [Free Expression Policy Project, 11/13/14]

The James Madison Institute Published Articles Defending The Koch Foundation Grant To FSU

JMI Development Director Francisco Gonzalez: “Private Philanthropy Under Attack At FSU.” [Francisco Gonzalez – James Madison Institute, accessed 3/4/15]

JMI Intern And FSU Economics Senior Andrea Castillo: Controversy Over Koch Funding Of FSU Is “Bizarre.” According to an opinion by JMI Intern and Florida State University Economics Senior Andrea Castillo for the Gainesville Sun, “Bizarre: It’s the word that I believe best describes brouhaha over the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation’s controversial grant to Florida State University (FSU), where I’m an undergraduate majoring in economics. This controversy seems even more bizarre if you lean toward a free-market school of thought, as I do. That’s the perspective from which I have viewed the publicity and unfair criticism that FSU and its Economics Department have endured in recent weeks.” [Gainesville Sun, 5/27/11]

The Opinion Was Published On The James Madison Institute’s Website Under Headline “FSU, Koch, And A Student.” According to the James Madison Institute website, “FSU, Koch, and a Student By Andrea Castillo, JMI Intern & Florida State University Senior Majoring in Economics Originally Printed in The Gainesville Sun as “FSU’s Bizarre Koch ‘Scandal’” on May 27, 2011.”[Andrea Castillo – James Madison Institute, 5/27/11]

The Kochs And Ted Cruz

The Koch Brothers

Sen. Ted Cruz Met With Charles Koch In October And Told Him “The Republican Party Needed A Grass-Roots Conservative Such As Himself To Take Back The White House.” According to the New York Times, “Similarly, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas popped through Wichita in October for an audience he had requested, and he told the elder Mr. [Charles] Koch that the Republican Party needed a grass-roots conservative such as himself to take back the White House.” [New York Times, 1/20/15]

The Kochs “Identified Five Candidates Who Have The Right Message And ‘A Good Chance Of Getting Elected’”: Scott Walker, Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, And Marco Rubio. According to USA Today, “[Charles] Koch, his brother David and their team have identified five candidates who have the right message and ‘a good chance of getting elected,’ he told USA TODAY in an exclusive interview at Koch Industries’ headquarters. They are Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, former Florida governor Jeb Bush and Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Marco Rubio of Florida.” [USA Today, 4/21/15]

Funding for Cruz

David Koch Attended A Fundraiser For Senator Ted Cruz Of Texas At The Home Of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Partner Robert Giuffra. According to Bloomberg, “Koch is known for sending a lot of money politicians’ way, through political action committees and by hosting fundraisers. On Aug. 15, he attended a fundraiser for Senator Ted Cruz of Texas at the home of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP partner Robert Giuffra. Koch noted that Giuffra, a friend,and Cruz both served as clerks for Supreme Court Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist.” [Bloomberg, 8/25/14]

David Koch: “Ted Cruz, He’s A Brilliant Guy, I Like Him Immensely.” According to Bloomberg, “‘Ted Cruz, he’s a brilliant guy, I like him immensely,’ Koch said. At the fundraiser he sat next to Cruz’s wife, Heidi, a managing director at Goldman Sachs Group Inc. ‘She was great, a very smart woman.’” [Bloomberg, 8/25/14]

Koch Industries Donated $26,000 To Ted Cruz. According to Yahoo Finance, “Other big corporate names on [Ted] Cruz’s donor list include Credit Suisse (CS) ($33,000 from 2011 to 2014), Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-A) ($33,000), Anadarko Petroleum (APC) ($30,000), Valero Energy (VLO) ($27,000), Koch Industries and Wells Fargo (WFC) ($26,000 each). Each of those firms gave to many other candidates, with Cruz typically snagging a middling amount.” [Yahoo Finance, 3/23/15]

Huffington Post: Randy Kendrick, The Wife Of Arizona Diamondbacks Owner Ken Kendrick, And “A Member Of The Billionaire Koch Brothers’ Donor Network,” Is As A Major Donor To Ted Cruz. According to the Huffington Post, “[Sen. Ted] Cruz also counts Randy Kendrick, the wife of Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick, as a major donor. Kendrick is a member of the billionaire Koch brothers’ donor network.” [Huffington Post, 4/15/15]

John W. Childs, Who Gave $700,000 To Freedom Partners, Gave The “Maximum Donation” To Ted Cruz’s Primary Campaign. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, “They include Robert McNair, the owner of the NFL’s Houston Texans franchise, who, along with several members of his family, made the maximum donation to Cruz’s primary campaign. In each of the last two election cycles, McNair has given more than $3m to conservative super PACs, including $2m to the super PAC that backed Mitt Romney. Another name lit in neon in the Republican fundraising world that showed up with a maximum donation for [Ted] Cruz is John W. Childs, a billionaire private equity investor. He has given millions to conservative super PACs, including $700,000 to Freedom Partners Action Fund, which is linked to the star billionaire Koch brother donors.” [Center for Responsive Politics, 4/16/15]

Cruz Defended The Kochs

Sen. Ted Cruz Called Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s Attack On The Koch Brothers “An Embarrassment To This Institution.” According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, “Sen.Ted Cruz, R-Texas, on Tuesday called the repeated Democratic attacks on the Koch brothers ‘an embarrassment to this institution,’ lashing out at Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid during a heated speech on the Senate floor. […] ‘The majority leader has launched an unprecedented slander campaign against two private citizens,’ Cruz said, describing Reid’s regular broadsides of the Kochs ‘reprehensible.’” [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 9/9/14]

Cruz: “I Admire Charles And David Koch…They Are Businessmen Who Have Created Hundreds Of Thousands Of Jobs And They Have Stood Up For Free Market Principles.” “There are a bunch of Democrats who have taken as their talking point that the Koch brothers are the nexus of all evil in the world,” Cruz said, acknowledging the event’s organizers. ‘I admire Charles and David Koch,’ Cruz continued. ‘They are businessmen who have created hundreds of thousands of jobs and they have stood up for free market principles.” [Associated Press, 1/26/15]

Americans For Prosperity

Former AFP-New Jersey State Director Steve Lonegan Was Named New Jersey Chairman Of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s Presidential Campaign. According to NorthJersey.com, “Former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan, a conservative activist who ran unsuccessfully for governor, House and Senate, will be New Jersey chairman of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s presidential campaign. In a news release, Cruz called Lonegan ‘a tireless advocate for taxpayers’ and said he knows New Jersey politics. Lonegan, a former state director for Americans for Prosperity, said his duties include raising money and putting together a slate of delegates who would run in the 2016 primary pledged to Cruz.” [NorthJersey.com, 6/8/15]

Cruz, A Longtime Beneficiary Of Koch Support, Scored A Perfect 100 On Americans For Prosperity’s Scorecard And Was Named A “Leader Of Liberty” By Them In 2014. According to the Huffington Post, “Cruz has been a longtime recipient of praise andsupport from the Kochs [sic] and their network. In 2014 Cruz was named a ‘Leader of Liberty’ by the Koch-funded Americans for Prosperity, receiving that group’s highest score, a perfect 100 on its ‘AFP Scorecard.’ He was previously a fellow at the Koch-backed Texas Public Policy Foundation, affiliated with the Koch-funded State Policy Network.” [Huffington Post, 7/13/15]

Cruz Attended Multiple AFP Summits

“Gov. Rick Perry, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz And Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul All Had Prime Speaking Slots At This Year’s Summit.” According to the Texas Observer, “The organization hosts plenty of star power—GOPers eagerly line up to receive the AFP blessing. Gov. Rick Perry, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul all had prime speaking slots at this year’s summit, while other Republican notables simply came to pay their respects, from Indiana governor and future 2016 also-ran Mike Pence, through Texas lt. governor nominee Dan Patrick, all the way down to state Rep. Bill Zedler.” [Texas Observer, 9/8/14]

Support For Keystone XL Pipeline Act

AFP Letter From VP Of Government Affairs Brent Gardner To Sen. Ted Cruz: “I Write In Strong Support Of Your Proposed Amendment To S.1, The Keystone XL Pipeline Act.” According to an open letter by AFP Vice President of Government Affairs Brent Gardner to Sen. Ted Cruz, “On behalf of more than 2.5 million Americans for Prosperity activists in all 50 states, I write in strong support of your proposed amendment to S.1, the Keystone XL Pipeline Act. This amendment would accelerate the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by building on previous bi-partisan efforts.” [Brent Gardner – AFP Open Letter , 1/22/15]

Gardner Letter: Keystone XL Amendment: Would “Get Rid Of Delays That Are Brought On By The Department Of Energy’s (DOE) Permitting Process.” According to an open letter by AFP Vice President of Government Affairs Brent Gardner to Sen. Ted Cruz, “This proposed amendment would further fuel the country’s current energy boom. Specifically theamendment would expedite LNG exports to World Trade Organization (WTO) members. Furthermore, it would also get rid of delays that are brought on by the Department of Energy’s (DOE) permitting process while also preserving the standards that projects go through with theFederal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC[Brent Gardner – AFP Open Letter , 1/22/15]

Gardner Letter On Cruz Keystone XL Amendment: “Numerous Studies Back Up The Fact That Exporting LNG Would Have A Positive Impact On The U.S. Economy.” According to an open letter by AFP Vice President of Government Affairs Brent Gardner to Sen. Ted Cruz, “The benefits that this proposed amendment would bring are real. Numerous studies back upthe fact that exporting LNG would have a positive impact on the U.S. economy. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) has said, ‘added U.S. LNG exports result in higher economic output, as measured by real gross domestic product (GDP).” Meanwhile according to a study commissioned by the Department of Energy “the U.S was projected to gain net economic benefits from allowing LNG exports.’” [Brent Gardner – AFP Open Letter , 1/22/15]

Concerned Veterans For America

Ted Cruz Will Keynote A Concerned Veterans Of America Event December 2nd. According to a press release from Concerned Veterans for America, “On Tuesday, December 2, Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) and The Weekly Standard will host a national security policy forum, ‘What Should Modern American Foreign Policy Look Like?’ atthe historic Willard Hotel in downtown Washington. With turmoil and ISIS on the rise in theMiddle East, the specter of a new Cold War between Russia and the West, and an increasingly adversarial relationship with China, this symposium will explore and debate the proper orientation of U.S. national security and foreign policy priorities in the 21st Century. The event, part of CVA’s Strength and Security Project, features a keynote address by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and panel discussions with leading lawmakers and foreign policy experts, moderated by Pete Hegseth and Bill Kristol.” [Concerned Veterans for America Press Release, 11/17/14]

CVA And The Weekly Standard Announced That They Will Host A National Security Policy Forum Called, “What Should Modern American Foreign Policy Look Like?” Featuring A Keynote Address By Sen. Ted Cruz.” According to a press release from Concerned Veterans for America and the Weekly Standard, “On Tuesday, December 2, Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) and The Weekly Standard will host a national security policy forum, “What Should Modern American Foreign Policy Look Like?” at the historic Willard Hotel in downtown Washington. With turmoil and ISIS on the rise in the Middle East, thespecter of a new Cold War between Russia and the West, and an increasingly adversarial relationship with China, this symposium will explore and debate the proper orientation of U.S. national security and foreign policy priorities in the 21st Century. The event, part of CVA’s Strength and Security Project, features a keynote address by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and panel discussions with leading lawmakers and foreign policy experts, moderated by Pete Hegsethand Bill Kristol.” [Weekly Standard & Concerned Veterans for America Press Release, 12/1/14]

LIBRE Initiative

Garza: “Ted Cruz, Has A Lot Of Conviction, Is A Principled Person. I Think He Needs To Be A Bit More Pragmatic Or Practical In His Approach To Policy,” But “He’s Going To Run A Hell Of A Campaign.” According to Latin Post, “Garza acknowledged there is a similar narrative between Rubio and fellow presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, specifically the family upbringing and shared struggles. ‘I think Ted Cruz has a lot of conviction, is a principled person. I think he needs to be a bit more pragmatic or practical in his approach to policy, making sure that he is able to persuade and that means sometimes he has to give in a little bit under his positions, but other than that, I think Ted Cruz is strong. Texas loves him. He’s been a strong senator. He has a strong voice, and I think he’s going to run a hell of a campaign.’” [Latin Post, 4/28/15]

Freedom Partners

Cruz Attacked Minimum Wage

Ted Cruz At The Discussion Hosted By Freedom Partners: “I Think The Minimum Wage Constantly Hurts The Most Vulnerable.” According to Reuters, “On Sunday night, Republican senators Rubio, Paul and Cruz discussed domestic and foreign policy. They were being hosted by Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit organization backed by the Koch brothers. An internet feed of the three senators’ discussion was also provided. Lifting people out of poverty, and whether a federal minimum wage was a potential solution, particularly animated them. ‘I think the minimum wage constantly hurts the most vulnerable,’ Cruz said.” [Reuters, 1/26/15]

Cruz Criticized The Iran Deal

Cruz At The Discussion Hosted By Freedom Partners On Talks With Iran Said “This IsThe Worst Negotiation In The History Of Mankind” And Predicted An Iranian Nuclear Strike In “Tel Aviv, New York Or Los Angeles.” According to the Associated Press, “Cruz and Rubio were sharply critical of negotiations, backed by President Barack Obama. ‘This is the worst negotiation in the history of mankind,’ Cruz said, predicting an Iranian nuclear strike in ‘Tel Aviv, New York or Los Angeles.’ Added Rubio: ‘At this pace, in five years, we’re going to build the bomb for them.’” [Associated Press, 1/26/15]

Cruz: “The Problem With Iran Is Khomeini And The Mullahs Are Radical Islamic Nutcases.” According to the Associated Press, “Paul urged his colleagues to have patience. “Are you ready to send ground troops into Iran?” Cruz was having none of it. ‘The problem with Iran is Khomeini and the mullahs are radical Islamic nutcases,’ he said.” [Associated Press, 1/26/15]

Freedom Partners Praised Cruz For Opposing The Ex-Im Bank

Freedom Partners Praised Gov. Jeb Bush, Sen. Ted Cruz, Sen. Rand Paul, and Sen. Marco Rubio For Their Opposition To Reauthorizing The Export-Import Bank. According to the Washington Times, “Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, a nonprofit group with ties to the billionaire philanthropists Charles and David Koch, applauded four potential GOP presidential contenders on Tuesday for supporting the end of the Export-Import Bank. ‘Former Governor Jeb Bush, Senator Ted Cruz, Senator Rand Paul and Senator Marco Rubio’s opposition to reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank is a clear sign that opposition to the bank extends from the grassroots all the way to some of the most prominent figures in national politics,’ Freedom Partners President Marc Short said in a statement.” [Washington Times, 3/3/15]

The Statement From Freedom Partners Came After Bush, Cruz And Rubio “ Voiced Their Opposition To The Bank At A Retreat In Florida Held By The Club For Growth” According to the Washington Times, “The statement from the group comes after Mr. Bush, Mr. Cruz andMr. Rubio all recently voiced their opposition to the bank at a retreat in Florida held by the Club for Growth, an influential anti-tax advocacy group. Other potential presidential contenders — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence — also said at the gathering that they, too, would eliminate the bank.” [Washington Times, 3/3/15]

Gov. Scott Walker, Gov. Bobby Jindal And Gov. Mike Pence Said At The Club For Growth Event “That They, Too, Would Eliminate The Bank.” According to the Washington Times, “The statement from the group comes after Mr. Bush, Mr. Cruz and Mr. Rubio all recently voiced their opposition to the bank at a retreat in Florida held by the Club for Growth, an influential anti-tax advocacy group. Other potential presidential contenders — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker