Republicans have been asking J.C. for years to get more involved, most times he would say no. I think he has the same problem that Jeb! does. J.C. has been away from the political action for so long, most people in congress now, may know very little about him, other that his obvious race.
Since he has been working as a lobbyist in DC he may be far closer to the action, on both sides, then one might think.