Reply #1: Reagan link: The Times:

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Mr Tuttle, known as Bob, is a Bush “Pioneer”, part of a group who raised at least $100,000 (£55,000) each for Mr Bush’s re-election.

He also gave $100,000 towards Mr Bush’s inauguration celebrations in January and is a friend of Brad Freeman, a fellow Californian who is Mr Bush’s chief West Coast fundraiser and a confidant of the President. Mr Tuttle, named by The Times in March as the favourite for the post, must be confirmed by the US Senate, almost certainly a formality.

US ambassadorships have long been awarded by presidents to political donors as a reward, and Mr Bush has upheld the tradition.

A third of his top fundraisers in 2000, or their spouses, were appointed to positions in his first Administration that included thirty ambassadorships and five Cabinet seats. Since he was first elected Mr Bush has appointed 188 Pioneers, or Rangers — donors who raise at least $250,000.

Mr Tuttle is known as an engaging businessman steeped in Republican politics. His father, Holmes Tuttle, built the first Ford dealership in California and famously sold a car to Ronald Reagan in 1946, when he was an unemployed actor.

They became friends, and Mr Tuttle Sr was one of three California businessmen who helped to convince Mr Reagan to run for governor.

His son has been involved with the Republican Party since 1979, when he became a member of Mr Reagan’s election team. Mr Tuttle is currently the joint managing partner of Tuttle-Click Automotive Group, one of California’s biggest dealerships.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,11069-1648218,00.html