Even if he doesn't run for president, former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton wants to make sure he has one of the loudest voices on the Republican side when it comes to foreign policy.
Bolton announced last week he is starting the Foundation for American Security and Freedom (FASF) to continue his efforts for a strong and active foreign policy.
"America needs more robust and effective involvement in international affairs to keep our allies close and further our national security interests," Bolton said last week as he announced his new venture. "This new foundation will provide the necessary platform, resources, and leadership to demonstrate to the world that we will recognize American exceptionalism not only in rhetoric, but also in deeds."
Bolton is also testing the waters for a presidential bid in 2016, much like he did during the 2012 election cycle. Through his John Bolton PAC and Bolton Super-PAC, Bolton raised $7.5 million in last years election cycle, backing Republicans who share his foreign-policy views.
During last years elections, Bolton was very active in some of the early primary states, backing Senate candidates and congressional hopefuls in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Bolton was also busy in the Sunshine State in last years elections despite it being the home of two other potential Republican presidential candidates in former Gov. Jeb Bush, R-Fla., and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla.
Calling U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen a leader on foreign policy, Bolton supported her efforts to win another term. He also backed U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., for another term, insisting the South Florida Republican understands the need for strong national security policy. Praising U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., as a leader who understands the importance of a strong U.S. national security policy, Bolton backed him for a second term.
Bolton also supported Carlos Curbelos successful challenge to then-U.S. Rep. Joe Garcia, D-Fla. Carlos Curbelo represents a new generation of Republican leadership that will bring new ideas and direction to Congress," Bolton insisted.
But not all of Boltons bets paid off in Florida. Bolton supported then-U.S. Rep. Steve Southerlands, R-Fla., unsuccessful effort to hold off Democratic challenger Gwen Graham. Bolton also backed former state Rep. Carl Dominos failed bid to defeat U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Fla.
Bolton has ramped up his activity in recent weeks in key presidential states, speaking at the Iowa Freedom Summit last month. This week, Bolton will address the American Conservative Unions (ACU) Conservative Political Action Conference.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
