The race for Rupert Murdoch's endorsement is on as potential presidential candidates line up to seek political support from the owner of Fox News and The Wall Street Journal.

Murdoch has long been a major political player whose media companies play a substantial role shaping the debate. Last year he declared that Fox News had “absolutely saved” the Republican Party by giving “voice and hope to people who didn't like all that liberal championing thrown at them on CNN.” Prominent politicians on the national and international stage regularly seek out Murdoch's opinion and approval.

The New York Times reported on how potential presidential candidates are engaged in a “delicate and unseen campaign underway for Mr. Murdoch's affections” in a January 27 article. Here are the details about where the would-be presidents stand.

Jeb Bush

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush may be the candidate most likely to find support from Murdoch in the 2016 cycle, according to the Times, which provides several anecdotes suggesting that the mogul favors Bush for his position on immigration and that their “ties have deepened over the years.”

The paper highlights a Washington, D.C. conference at which Murdoch responded to a boilerplate speech by Jeb Bush on “the economic benefits of overhauling the nation's immigration system” by “swoon[ing] in his seat,” “gush[ing] over its content and tone,” and declaring that Bush had “said all the right things on the fraught issue.” According to the Times, Bush was seated next to Murdoch at the conference at Murdoch's request. The article closes with Murdoch saying of Bush “I like Jeb Bush very much... He's moving very cleverly, very well.”

Chris Christie

Murdoch reportedly “remains fond” of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, but last year “expressed doubts about the New Jersey governor, saying he expected more damaging stories to emerge about Mr. Christie's aides in the aftermath of the closing of lanes on the George Washington Bridge.” They reportedly speak by phone on a near-monthly basis.

Murdoch reportedly “joined a group of wealthy and influential Republican leaders who encouraged Mr. Christie to enter the presidential race” in 2011. He publicly and privately criticized Christie for praising President Obama's response to Hurricane Sandy in the waning days of the 2012 race.

Rand Paul

Murdoch reportedly “remains intrigued” by Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), “extolling his appeal to younger voters and his plans for a flat tax. The two meet often in New York and Washington. But Mr. Murdoch worries that Mr. Paul may face an uphill battle in a general election, said a person who has spoken with Mr. Murdoch.”

Murdoch and Fox News chief Roger Ailes reportedly sat down with Paul in November 2013 as part of his effort to “smooth concerns among Republicans and influencers about whether he shares his famous libertarian father's views on issues like national security.”

Mitt Romney

According to the Times, Murdoch has privately described 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney as “vacuous,” in large part due to his call during the last election for undocumented immigrants to “self-deport.” The Times reports on a private 2012 meeting between the two in which Murdoch demanded Romney recant his “foolhardy” immigration position, with Romney refusing to do so because “he would look like a flip-flopper.” “Those close to Mr. Romney said he had all but given up on trying to win over Mr. Murdoch” as he moves toward a third presidential run.