I'm personally a fan of Jeb Bush's. He's the wonky younger brother that "W" never was.
From
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/310/story/83386.html
"MIAMI — When Jeb Bush left office four years ago, his public appearances were as scarce as bi-partisan man hugs.
He didn't want to upstage his successor in the governor's mansion nor his brother in the White House. Instead, he quietly cashed in by joining corporate boards and an elite speakers bureau, penned policy essays and gave infrequent interviews to conservative media.
But in recent months, as the Republican Party of Florida has grappled with a leadership vacuum, Bush's political profile has grown as fast as the national deficit...
He headlined a fundraiser for Bill McCollum's gubernatorial campaign, starred in a YouTube video touting Jeff Atwater's campaign for state chief financial officer and helped install state Sen. John Thrasher as the state party's heir apparent -- all the while looming on the sidelines of the fierce Republican Senate primary between Gov. Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio.
The capper came Thursday when, at the top of the 7 o'clock hour, right after Vice President Joe Biden, Bush made a rare network television appearance on NBC's Today Show. The intensely private Bush's interview with the overly familiar Matt Lauer rattled Florida political circles.
Was this the beginning of a Jeb juggernaut that would culminate in a 2012 presidential bid?
``My wife called me immediately and said he looked presidential,'' said Thrasher, who as the former House speaker helped Bush lay down his agenda. ``I said, `Who knows? We'll see.' I'm ready to go to Iowa any time he's ready.''
Bush's comments about Crist's support for President Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan got the most attention, but his call for Democrats and Republicans to work together was the biggest clue to his national ambitions.
``I think that leaders on both sides of the aisle need to figure out where there is common ground and at least focus on that,'' he said. ``It's one thing to give a good speech. The other thing is to invite people that don't agree exactly with your point of view to build consensus.''"
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written by Frank Ammendolea , February 01, 2010
This is a potential disaster in the making.
For better or worse, this country is tired of the Bush Family. I was not a big fan of Bush the Elder, though I respect his service and felt he was a decent and honest man. GWB was great on terrorism - and was probably the right man at the right time, but on domestic policy he was an abject failure and set our party back immeasurably in terms of our credibility with voters.
Even with all of Obama's troubles, and the recent success of Scott Brown, people still dislike George W. Bush. After all we have gone through to begin rehabilitating our image with the public, are we really going to turn the party back over to someone named Bush?
Now I know it is not fair to tag Jeb with what his father and brother did or didn't do. But let's be realistic, in politics that is EXACTLY what happens and its what the Democrats will joyfully do if Jeb Bush was to be nominated.
If the Republican Party is going to be successful long term we have to shed ourselves of our more moral version of the Kennedy Clan. It's time to say farewell to the Bushes.
written by Daniel Peterson , February 02, 2010
It probably would be easier on everyone if he chose to run for US Senate in Florida. Anyone know what party the two Senators are in that State?
written by Quickjustice , February 02, 2010
Florida U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, a former astronaut, is a Democrat.
Florida U.S. Senator George Lemieux is a Republican appointed by Governor Crist to replace Mel Martinez, who resigned.
written by Frank Ammendolea , February 04, 2010
He is still very popular in Florida, where he did a good job as Governor.
The Lemieux (formerly Martinez) seat is up in November, and either Marco Rubio or Charlie Crist will be the Republican candidate after their August primary. The winner of the Republican primary is heavily favored to win in November, so that takes that seat out of the running for Jeb.
The other seat held by Democrat Bill Nelson would be a golden opportunity for Jeb Bush to get back in the game. Nelson only won re-election in 2006 because he ran against an erratic and image tainted candidate in Katharine Harris. Nelson is not that popular and Bush could beat him running away.
If he has any designs on the presidency however, I think he's kidding himself - and he can thank his Dad and big brother for poisoning the well before he got a chance to drink. He could become a very influential Senator and/or Cabinet secretary someday, but that's it.
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