Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush says he's not running for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012 — at least for now.
The brother of former President George W. Bush told the Indiana Education Roundtable in Indianapolis Wednesday that he's not running for anything "right now," according to Indianapolis radio station WIBC.
"I'm focused on my own private life and trying to help others continue their public service," Bush said. "It's a secondary role, not a primary role, and it'll probably remain that way."
Of course, traveling around the country to participate in events such as the roundtable is a good way to prepare for a presidential bid. Bush touted his Florida education reforms at the meeting.
Bush decided this year not to seek the seat of Republican Sen. Mel Martinez, who announced in December that he wouldn't seek re-election but said last month that he would retire effective after the summer recess. Bush's successor as governor, Charlie Crist, is running for the job.
At the roundtable, Bush presented a mix assessment of President Obama. He praised Obama for supporting some of the education reforms Bush enacted as governor, including charter schools.
But Bush said he disagrees with the administration’s policies in general. "I'm just very disturbed by the rapid change of who we are as a nation, or the attempt."
If Bush does decide to jump into the presidential fray, he’s likely to find a crowded field. Both former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney are making all the noises of candidates for 2012.
Palin may be hurt by a new Vanity Fair interview with Levi Johnston, the father of Palin's grandchild. He said the former Republican vice presidential candidate wanted to adopt his child so that people wouldn't know her 17-year-old daughter was pregnant.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.