Marc Short, a key operative in Charles and David Koch's administration, has been tasked to work on Marco Rubio's presidential campaign. Short was instrumental in spearheading Freedom Partners, a political organization under the Koch banner.
"Marc leaves behind a strong leadership team at Freedom Partners and working with them, we will continue to work to further our goal of a free and prosperous society for all Americans. We look forward to continuing our work with our partners to further these goals in 2016 and beyond," said Mark Holden, Freedom Partners' chairman, in a statement announcing the move on Feb. 23, reports USA Today.
"Marc has been running the most sophisticated political operation for the last few cycles, and really knows the mood of the electorate. This is a big sign of consolidation by the party," said Scott Reed, senior political strategist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, reports Politico.
Spokespersons for both Rubio and Short did not divulge any details, according to the New York Times.
"This is a big get for Rubio. Marc brings a unique perspective as one of the few people who have had one foot in traditional Republican Party politics and another in more movement-conservative efforts," said Phil Cox, former executive director of the Republican Governors Association in whose opinion, Short was "a steady, respected hand at the top of a complex, multifaceted organization," reports Politico.
The Koch brothers are yet to endorse any GOP candidate, though this move can be seen as the Republican party's effort to stop Donald Trump.
