George P. Bush prepares for statewide run in Texas

George Prescott Bush, son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, told the Associated Press on Friday that he will run for statewide office in Texas in 2014 - but he's not quite sure which office he'll seek just yet.

"We are for sure running, the question is the office," said Bush, a 36-year old attorney from Fort Worth. He indicated that he is waiting to hear of Texas Gov. Rick Perry's plan before deciding on a path of his own.

Perry, who has been governor since former President George W. Bush left Texas for the White House in 2001, has not yet indicated whether he will run for reelection again.

Some have speculated that Bush might mount a primary challenge to Perry, but Bush provided no such hint in the interview, saying that "we want to be team players in the party, providing a younger, fresher vision for our values."

Bush is thought to be eyeing the post of Texas Land Commissioner most closely - a low profile but powerful post that has provided a valuable stepping stone for several previous Texas governors. He may also run for state attorney general if the current officeholder, Greg Abbott, decides to run for governor himself.

Some Texas conservatives see Bush, who speaks fluent Spanish and is biracial (his mother is from Mexico), as a valuable liaison to the Hispanic community in Texas, which has trended strongly Democratic in recent elections.

• George P. Bush eyes job of Texas Land Commissioner
• George P. Bush files papers to run for office in Texas

Despite the high hopes, Bush cautions that his party can't assume that his heritage will win Hispanic votes for the GOP. "I don't necessarily agree with the idea that having a candidate of Hispanic origin, or someone who can speak Spanish, can automatically obtain these votes," he said. "It's important tactically to have candidates that understand the issues of the community."

Bush also addressed the benefits of being the scion of such a storied political family, admitting that the name alone isn't enough - but that it helps. "It's always been a thing of my grandmother to say, 'Go out and make a name for yourself' and that's something that I've followed," he said. "But who better to ask for advice on politics than two former presidents and a former governor? They're not involved in the day-to-day operations. They're not involved in formulating my ideology. It's more of an informal advice."

[TJphoto]

Good Luck with that. People's memories are a lot longer now. Do you want George W. coming out to endorse you? Go for it!!

[pdeviled]

Is this a joke? I thought this might be a story from The Onion.

What kind of experience does GP Bush have in public office? One does not simply run for attorney general or land commissioner with absolutely no experience serving in public office. I would think someone with any political knowledge would consider running for local office prior to jumping into state politics.

[omnibus66]

"but he's not quite sure which office he'll seek just yet."

They are all so big and juicy looking. Had to decide which one to suck.

[nohater]

not another bush, please no. not a resident of texas but would gladly donate to anyone running against another bush. if this bush gets a toe hold in any office, even land commissioner, it would be just sad.

[JV1970]

NOHATER You should change your name because it's a lie! You ARE a hater! You hate the Bush family!

[FormerUSMCSergeant]

repubs believe Hispanics are totally stupid. Repubs think a Hispanic or half-Hispanic who belongs to a party that OVERTLY SCREWS Hispanics is going to bring in Hispanic votes.
Absurd.

[JV1970]

I think you're just saying that because you know that he would win the Hispanic vote! That's what scares you!

[quellhorst]

As a Texas resident, I will donate money to whoever opposes George P. Bush. We don't need Bush or Kennedy political royalty.

[RicThymes]

running for office for the sake of running for office.

[lnytnz]

NO NO NO more Bushes !!

[som1uno]

I'm a life-long resident of Texas and the LAST thing this state or this country needs is another "born to politics" rich kid running anything. He is so quick to say, "we want to be team players in the party, providing a younger, fresher vision for our values."..with NO mention of "The People" he's supposedly going to be representing. He's obviously planning to play on his Bush name and his mothers hispanic origin to convince "the people" that he's something other than more of the same.

[Jeem1941]

George P. you're not in Florida. Listen to your mother.

[JV1970]

He probably IS listening to his mother! She probably wants him to run!