A crowded field of Republican candidates could benefit Jeb Bush's presidential campaign, a local political analyst speculated.
On the day that the former Florida governor officially launched his bid for the White House, a respected political science professor at the University at Buffalo told WBFO "top-tier" candidates, including Bush, benefit when a race attracts multiple contenders.
"In a crowded field, anyone who is in the top tier makes it difficult for those challengers to expand their coalitions," said James Campbell.
Nearly a dozen Republicans with significant name recognition have expressed interest in a presidential run, including declared candidates Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Rick Perry, Carly Fiorina, Mike Huckabee, Lindsay Graham and Rick Santorum. Former New York George Pataki has also launched his candidacy. Some political observers said the GOP field could exceed 20 in the coming months.
Campbell said future debates could play a key role in determining the viability of some candidacies.
"If you're excluded from the debates, that is close to being excluded from the race," he said. "That's where the most voters, primary voters and caucus attendees will get their information about candidates from."
