Potential 2016 Hopefuls Quietly Court Romney Money

Three years before the next presidential election, several prospective Republican White House contenders are quietly courting senior members of Mitt Romney's money machine.

Romney's fundraising lieutenants are beginning to look for a new home as the potential field of Republican presidential candidates grows. Some caution against reading too much into their early contact with candidates, but acknowledge it's never too early to begin strengthening relationships with major donors.

Expect the donors to be selective. Romney himself suggests that only one — "or perhaps two" — of the growing crop of Republicans is electable. And his top donors, at least for now, tend to agree.

[Associated Press]