2009/2010: Jeb says no thanks
Posted: Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:10 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under:
2009, 2010
FLORIDA: So why did Jeb Bush so publicly explore this Senate bid now and then pull back? What spooked him? "Bush said he intends to focus on his growing portfolio of business ventures and to devote time to his family. He spent much of Tuesday calling friends and supporters to give them the news. Still, the former governor said he would continue to advocate for conservative ideas, and he offered a bit of advice to fellow Republicans: Don't target the new president with the same kind of partisan attacks that he said Democrats had hurled unfairly at his brother -- attacks that he summed up as ‘Bush-hating.’”
VIRGINIA: In a conference call with reporters yesterday, advisers to McAuliffe’s campaign outlined their candidate’s message and strategy. They played up the fact that McAuliffe has resided in Virginia for almost 20 years; that he's raised five children in the state; and that he's started businesses there. What’s more, they emphasized that with the state facing challenges during these difficult economic times, McAuliffe offers a unique business background to help turn things around.
Indeed, in his remarks today, McAuliffe said: “Now, with what we're facing in the next few years, people want a governor with that same kind of experience and approach. A governor who, like Governors [Mark] Warner and [Tim] Kaine, brings the right kind of executive background to the job. Who, like Mark and Tim, understands that not all good ideas come from Richmond. Who, like Mark and Tim, knows that it's not about politics - it's about results. That's what it's going to take to get our economy moving forward again and to build on the progress we've made over the past seven years. And that's why, today, I'm announcing my candidacy for Governor of Virginia.”
