Jeb Bush Says He Won't Run For Senate

By: Scott Conroy
Topics: Congress

(AP)

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush announced that he won't run for Senate in 2010. President Bush's younger brother had been a rumored candidate for the seat to replace Republican Mel Martinez, who is retiring after one term in the Senate.

"While the opportunity to serve my state and country during these turbulent and dynamic times is compelling, now is not the right time to return to elected office," Bush said in a statement.

Bush was governor of Florida from 1999-2007 and remains popular in the state. He struck a bipartisan note in his announcement that he would not run for Martinez's seat.

"President-elect Obama ran a tremendous campaign and I am proud to call him my President," Bush said. "I am confident Republicans will find productive ways to work together with the new administration to advance reforms both sides of the aisle can support."

Bush also called for further education reform and thanked Martinez "for his extraordinary service to our great state."

Scott Conroy
Scott Conroy is a National Political Reporter for RealClearPolitics and a contributor for CBS News.
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by nikosk11 January 7, 2009 2:24 PM EST: Then we''ll have "Dumb, Dumber & Dumbest."; Reply to this comment


by nikosk11 January 7, 2009 2:23 PM EST: Thank the powers be.

This contry - MY COUNTRY - needs another Bush like a hole in the head.; Reply to this comment


by hatesthecolt January 6, 2009 10:02 PM EST: Everyone keeps saying JEB IS THE SMART ONE. Does that scare anyone else?; Reply to this comment


by kansas1946 January 6, 2009 9:19 PM EST: What a relief. I hope that whole family disappears into the trash bin of history.; Reply to this comment