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From SourceWatch

James Francis Jr. is the Texas public relations executive [1] who "came up with the idea" in 2001 of "calling those who raised at least $100,000" for George W. Bush the Bush "Pioneers", "one of the most successful fundraising operations in U.S. history." Francis had raised funds for Bush during 1999-2000. [2]

Francis said in May 2004 that he had "raised some money for Bush early in the current campaign but has not been active since then because he knew that he might be needed in helping out a separate, 'independent' campaign and it was important to keep his distance" from Bush-Cheney '04 Inc..

Related SourceWatch Resources

• 527 committee
• Progress for America Voter Fund
• U.S. presidential election, 2004

External links

• Peter H. Stone, "Republican 527s: Full-Steam Ahead" (cache file), National Journal (PFA), May 24, 2004.
• Thomas B. Edsall, "GOP Creating Own '527' Groups. Unregulated Funds Can Be Raised," Washington Post, May 25, 2004.