Frank VanderSloot, eastern Idaho businessman and one of the GOP’s wealthiest donors, is being courted by GOP presidential candidates eager to benefit from VanderSloot’s fundraising reputation, which he brought to bear as a critical fundraiser for Mitt Romney in the last presidential race, the AP reports. "It was surely a lot easier four years ago," VanderSloot told The Associated Press. "There was a clear front runner to get behind. Romney was head and shoulders above the rest of the field ... I surely have who I think will be the best president in my mind. But the question is, can they get elected? If they can't get elected, you're just wasting your time, aren't you?"

"You're looking at a major player in GOP politics. He has tremendous ability to exert influence," said David Adler, former director of the Andrus Center for Public Policy at Boise State University. "He can lift someone from the middle of the pack and put them out in front."

VanderSloot told AP reporter Kimberlee Kruesi that five candidates out of the crowded Republican field have caught his eye, including his favorites Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and former H-P CEO Carly Fiorina. Also on his short list is former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, whom VanderSloot praised for being articulate and having the resources to raise campaign dollars. And while he believes the hype surrounding Donald Trump will eventually fade, VanderSloot said he likes the businessman's ability to resonate with the public by kicking political correctness to the wind. "(Trump) is such a breath of fresh air. But it's not about what he's done, what's his motive? He's always been it if for Trump and he will always be in it for Trump first," VanderSloot said.

Though VanderSloot hosted a regional GOP BBQ at his ranch last month that featured presidential hopeful Rand Paul, who was making his fourth stop in Idaho in a week, he said Paul’s not among his favorites. "If Paul wins the nomination, we'll see a Democrat in the White House," said VanderSloot. "He is far down on our list." You can read Kruesi’s full report here.