New York Jets owner Woody Johnson hosted a breakfast at his home in Manhattan on Thursday morning for former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, sources tell CNN.
The fundraiser attracted some of New York’s top Republican donors, including Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman and other hedge fund executives, three sources familiar with the gathering said.
Bush’s supporters conveyed to the likely 2016 presidential candidate that they are eager to raise $100 million as soon as possible, according to two people with knowledge of the breakfast. It was unclear whether or how Bush responded to these comments.
Bush was “animated” in the way he discussed his accomplishments in Florida, one source said, and said those accomplishments were consistent with Republican principles and conservative ideals.
The New York Times reported last month that Johnson was expected to support Bush’s likely presidential campaign in 2016.
A spokesperson for Bush declined to comment.
