While Speaker of the House John Boehner has made it clear he has not endorsed anyone in the GOP for president in 2016, he took the opportunity Monday — again — to tout a Jeb Bush candidacy.
During an interview with the
Cincinnati Enquirer, Boehner said the 2016 election will be centered on "competence." which he indicated is in Bush's favor.
"He's got a real shot" at winning because of his record as the one-time governor of Florida," he said. "He has a record of serious, big reforms."
In May, Boehner acknowledged that he's been "nudging" Bush to run,
Politico reported.
"Historically, our best candidates have come from the ranks of governors, or former governors. And yes, Jeb Bush is my friend, I think he'd make a great president. And I've been nudging him for some time."
On Sunday, Boehner said on ABC News's "This Week" that he thinks his persistent lobbying may be working on Bush.
"He's had plenty of opportunities to tell me to stop — and he hasn't," Boehner said, according to
The Hill.
And back in January, during an appearance on
"The Tonight Show," Boehner peppered Bush into the discourse.
"I'm not endorsing anybody," he told outgoing host Jay Leno. "But Jeb Bush is my friend and, frankly, I think he'd make a great president."
Bush has been busy traveling the country stumping for Republicans in tight races, most recently in North Carolina, where he appeared with U.S. Senate candidate Thom Tillis, and in Kansas, where he's supporting incumbent Sen. Pat Roberts.
He has repeatedly said he has not made up his mind about whether to enter the race, promising to do so after the November midterms. Family considerations will be key to his decision, he said.
His father, President George H.W. Bush wants his son to run but said he will respect his decision either way. And Bush's older brother, President George W. Bush, has also offered his support.
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