After a successful turn-back of powerful union opposition and his thwarting of a 2012 recall, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker earned significant conservative respect that has translated into a powerful and rich donor base,
The New York Times reported.
"Walker's biggest donors are deeply conservative, giving him an opportunity to emerge as an alternative to the more moderate Mr. Bush. They also include many small-money donors, a group that many national Republicans have struggled to attract," wrote the Times' Derek Willis of Walker's political coffers.
Those offering serious cash during his recall, for example, included casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, Amway founder Richard DeVos and the late Texas home-builder Bob Perry, the Times said.
Walker has also proved he could attract support from around the nation, earning $1.9 million in donations from supporters in California and $1 million apiece in states like Florida, New York, Illinois and Texas, the Times noted.
Of those 2012 out-of-state contributions, more than 170,000 came in amounts of $200 or less,
USA Today reported.
How such a deep donor base might siphon off campaign contributions to other strong Republican candidates like Jeb Bush is unclear.
Bush is already on the case, speaking at a $100,000-a-ticket fundraiser on Wednesday, held at the Park Avenue residence of private equity mogul Henry Kravis and his wife,
Politico said.