Jeb Bush is set to be the big name speaker at a big coal retreat in Bristol, Virginia. The retreat is hosted by CEOs from major coal companies and entrance is gained on an invitation-only basis, reports the Guardian.
Well, there is one other way to get in. You could have donated at least $7,500 to the Republican party. According to the Guardian:
The under-the-radar appearance, which is invitation only and off-limits to the press, will bring the potential presidential candidate face to face with the owners and chief executives of the coalmining and energy companies at a critical time for the energy industry and for Bush’s political ambitions.
No other candidate, or predicted presidential candidate, is scheduled to speak at the event.
The content of Bush’s speech is unknown, but according to the report, Bush is appearing at the request of six major coal company bigwigs: Joe Craft III of Alliance Resource Partners, Kevin Crutchfield of Alpha Natural Resources, Nick DeIuliis of Consol Energy, Garry Drummond of Drummond Company, John Eaves of Arch Coal, and Jim McGlothlin of United Coal Company.
The timing of the meeting seems perfect for a lobby that is concerned about a new round of EPA regulations that they have described as a “war on coal.” What better time to buy a potential presidential candidate than right now, before he officially declares, while he is free of any campaign financing disclosure requirements.
