The reason Bush gave for not running? He said the decision was based on his 'personal journey'. From AP-
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.Personal journey- His wife Columba doesn't like the spotlight that comes with high political office. Someone will say this doesn't matter, but it does. All of you guys out there raise your hand to say you went against what your wife said you can't do after emphatically saying no."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 gave a run serious consideration 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.
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Bush served as governor of Florida from 1999-2007 and remains a popular figure in the state. His announcement clears the field for several other potential Republican candidates who had said they wouldn't challenge him.
Florida has plenty of quality Republicans. No I'm not talking about Atty. General Bill McCollum or frequently defeated candidate Tom Gallagher. None are well known except to political junkies like myself, but Florida has a long history of electing little known legislators or regional politicians to the Senate or Governorship. Reuben Askew, Lawton Chiles, Bob Graham, Bob Martinez to name a few.
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2010 Senate Race, Florida, States
