After the GOP’s dismal national performance last year, major donors have repeatedly pushed Republicans to stick to economic issues, and several high-profile establishment figures like Grover Norquist and Jeb Bush have touted the economic argument for an immigration bill. But Republicans have continued to draw headlines for efforts to limit abortions in several states including Texas, giving Democrats plenty of fodder to feed the “war on women” narrative and boost their own fundraising.

Major GOP donor Fred Malek, who served as co-chair of John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign, praised Rubio’s work on immigration and called the abortion bill a “distraction” from important issues.

“Frankly, the big donors are much more focused on the economy, jobs, the Obamacare train wreck, Egypt and the bloodiness in Syria,” Malek said…

“Donors are investors. They’re investing in something they believe in and expect a return on investment. That return on investment is that they want to win,” said Brad Blakeman, a member of former President George W. Bush’s senior staff. Blakeman also founded Freedom Watch, a nonprofit largely funded by casino mogul Sheldon Adelson.