The question in my view is whether he thinks he actually has a shot, or he’s content to play the trojan horse for jebito. Nothing like ambition to scuttle the best laid plans.
But you’re no doubt correct on the k street connection. Frankly all with the exceptions of Trump, Carson, and Fiorina would be somewhat tainted by k street. Some more than others.
Trump says he is not influenced by K street he hires his own lobbies
(About choked when he said that)