December 18, 2014 - Carly Fiorina is laying the groundwork for what one ally says is an "imminent" presidential campaign—one that could launch as early as next month.
The former Hewlett-Packard CEO, who raised her political profile with a failed run against Sen. Barbara Boxer of California in 2010, has frequently been mentioned as a long-shot contender to seek the Republican presidential nomination. The speculation is driven by equal parts novelty and activity: Fiorina, who paid several high-profile visits to early-nominating states in 2014, acknowledged that she would likely be the only woman in the GOP field.
"Look, I think it would be great if we had female candidates—or candidate," Fiorina told National Journal earlier this year.
Fiorina is now poised to become that candidate. According to three sources with direct knowledge of the situation, she has authorized members of her inner circle to seek out and interview candidates for two key positions on her presidential campaign: political director and communications director. Notably, the sources said, her associates are aiming to fill both positions with women.
The search, sources say, is being spearheaded by Amy Noone Frederick, a Republican consultant who sits with Fiorina on the American Conservative Union Foundation's board of directors.
One Republican operative was recently approached about a position with the Unlocking Potential Project, Fiorina's super PAC. The operative, who asked not to be named, said that in the course of the interview one of Fiorina's allies began gauging interest in a separate position "for a certain presidential candidate who is gearing up for a run."
It's unclear if any hires have been made, and emails to officials with Fiorina's PAC were not returned.
Still, people familiar with Fiorina's camp say the organizational outreach proves that she's serious about getting a campaign off the ground—and quickly. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is already effectively in the race and consuming other contenders' oxygen. If Fiorina wants to jump in and make a media splash, she probably can't afford to wait much longer.
"It appears that they want to move fast, which is smart," said Jason Cabel Roe, a Republican consultant in California. "Carly getting in as the 10th candidate is not nearly as interesting as Carly getting in as the first or second candidate."
More: Carly Fiorina Hiring for Presidential Campaign - NationalJournal.com
Personally, I find this woman extremely nauseating. However, I hope she joins the GOP presidential circus. I doubt she'll get much traction - even on this board.
