Jeb Bush: Senate Run Is Off

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Former Gov. Jeb Bush announced Tuesday that he won't run for the U.S. Senate in 2010 to replace the retiring Mel Martinez, saying that it was not the right time to return to elected office.

"I can play a role in helping to reshape the Republican Party's message and focus on 21st century solutions to 21st century problems," Bush told The Associated Press in a phone interview. "Not running does not preclude me from being involved in these things and I will be."

Bush seriously considered a run after Martinez said last month he wouldn't seek a second term. Bush spoke with senators, supporters and family, including his brother, President George W. Bush, and his father, former President George Bush.

He said his decision wasn't based on politics, but on his "personal journey." He said his brother's low approval rating didn't factor into his decision, and that Floridians are familiar with his record as governor.

"One of the benefits of being governor is people get to know you and I think people know I love this state," Bush said. "While I'm proud of my brother and I love my brother ... people know that I'm Jeb Bush and I don't think that would have been a problem."

Those close to him have speculated for years that he wouldn't be interested in the Senate because his personality is more suited for executive leadership. They said being one of 100 senators might be frustrating for Bush, though he said that wasn't a factor.

"I really felt like I could make a difference and it could have been a fulfilling job," Bush said.

Bush was governor of Florida from 1999-2007 and remains a popular figure in the state. His announcement clears the path for several other potential Republican candidates who had said they wouldn't challenge him.

"All of us are disappointed that Jeb didn't run, but now it's time to move on," said former House Speaker Allan Bense, who is among those interested in the job. Other potential candidates include Bense's successor, former Speaker Marco Rubio, along with Attorney General Bill McCollum and several congressmen.

Democrats considering a run include Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, state Sen. Dan Gelber and U.S. Reps. Allen Boyd and Kendrick Meek.

Bush won bipartisan praise for leading the state through eight hurricanes in two years. He used standardized testing to overhaul the education system, was credited with making government more efficient and lowered taxes.

"I understand his decision," said Martinez, who announced last month that he wouldn't seek a second six-year term. "Jeb would have been a great candidate and senator."

Comments

[JFaye]

Thank you ... Thank you. Thank you ... No More Bush anything ...

[mergina]

But I like my bush (nearly removed it permanently a few times this past 8 years for 'W' giving it a bad name).

[corsair1917]

Maybe he is the Smart Bush after all?

[democracy7]

I don't think hes not smart, but I do believe he's greedy and crooked. Which makes him far more dangerous than Dubya.

[Bmantra]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Let ignorance go out of style for awhile.

[instagladiator]

What a porker!!

[blimie]

I was thinking the same thing.

[ohyes]

NO Bush should be allowed to run for office in this country ever again..

This family is like a malignant tumor that spreads, it kills and steals with no impunity.

ENOUGH.

[Toonadude]

If another Bush wants to be the POTUS, we can take it as proof that the U.S is not yet bankrupt and in fact still has plenty of cash waiting to be stolen as only a Bush knows how.

[texasrodeoqueen]

yeah, and more wars to be fought and profited from.

[blue florida]

Oh this makes me so happy and relieved! I had a sickening feeling of him as our senator after his eight disastrous years as our governor! Thank goodness he decided not to run. Now we can only hope the rest of the Bush family stays out of politics.

[LeeCalif]

He wants to be available to run with Romney in '12 .

[JFaye]

There is no way a Mormon will ever win over the Republican base ... namely, Evangelicals. Sorry, that's just the way it is and lets face it ... Republicans have tied their donkey to this train.

[Mdazes]

Watch this guy closely he has some of the same goofy body movement as his brother. I hope Jeb never ever get elected to any office that will put him in Washington.

[miamia]

Jeb the right time will be never.

These arrogant fu.cktards are over for many generations.

They haven't figured it out yet, though. There will never be another Bush elected to the WH.

[JamesLM207]

For heaven's sake- won't the Bush family EVER go away? They're like a cancer that keeps reocurring.

[Firestarter]

Can these dou.che bags just go away forever.

[lynjs]

Thank you for making my day, Jeb. The last thing I wanted to see is another Bush near an elected office with pen in hand signing some bill that will slam the rest of us.

From voodoo politics to Terry Schiavo to Iraq, your family has manage too all but run this burg down the nearest toilet. I don't think you need to be there to push the handle to further flush it down the drain.

Please go away, git, scram, don't come back. Basically, don't let the doorknob hit you in the _____ on the way out.

[birchtree3]

I'd like to see him "run for the hills."

[joycehelene]

Great news that Jeb is not going to run for the Senate, he would lose anyway. I hope they don't have his son waiting for his turn, we have had enough of the Bushes to last a couple of lifetimes!!