Report: Jeb Bush's Staff Already Looking for New Gigs

Many staffers with the Jeb Bush campaign are already starting the job hunt ahead of Saturday's South Carolina primary, apparently pessimistic about Bush's ability to stay in the race, Politico reports. According to the Washington Post, Bush's final campaign event in South Carolina "felt bittersweet." "Staffers and volunteers hugged warmly, realizing that they had just one more day to convince Republicans to pick their guy," the paper states. People within the campaign are denying anyone is looking for a new gig just yet. But that isn't the story coming from political consultants in Florida, who say they've received several resumes already. “I can unequivocally tell you that people are looking for work," one Bush donor tells Politico.

Four political consultants in Florida have confirmed they're in talks with Bush campaign staff. "Suddenly in the past week, I’m getting calls and they’re asking me: ‘Are you looking for somebody?'" one consultant tells Politico. "The people who work in the campaign business aren’t stupid," says another. "They can read the polls." Bush has already scheduled events in Nevada, but both he and his senior advisor are "noncommittal" when asked if there's anything that could prevent them from moving on, ABC News reports. "We'll see," the news outlet quotes Bush. "I don't think so." One thing is more certain, Bush desperately needs a strong showing in South Carolina on Saturday to turn the narrative on his campaign around. (More Jeb Bush stories.)