With a nod and a wink, Republicans build 2016 campaign machines

By Emily Flitter NEW YORK (Reuters) - Asked last week about his agenda if elected, presumptive Republican presidential candidate Scott Walker began: "Should I choose to be a candidate..." Then he added with a grin: "My lawyers love it when I say that." Like the other would-be Republican candidates who took the stage over three days in Washington at the Conservative Political Action Conference, the Wisconsin governor studiously avoided mentioning any plans for the 2016 presidential election. The pantomime is crucial – it allows candidates to work closely with their funding organizations to rake in big money donations without breaking campaign finance laws. Once they launch their campaign or even say they are “testing the waters", they face far tighter restrictions on their fundraising.

Continue reading...