John Boehner: Jeb Bush would make a great president

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, isn't officially endorsing any potential 2016 Republican presidential candidates, but he had some particularly kind words for former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

"Jeb Bush has been my friend, I think he'd make a great president and I've been nudging him for some time," Boehner said during an event at the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Monday, caccording to the Washington Post.

He also said of Ohio Gov. John Kasich, "I love John Kasich. We play golf together."

The speaker was quick to clarify that it wasn't an endorsement and he will let the potential candidates "sort it all out." So far, most of the 2016 jockeying has been on the Senate and gubernatorial side, making life easier for the House speaker.

Bush has said he is "digesting" the idea of a presidential bid but has not decided yet. Although it appears both former Presidents Bush (George W. and George H.W.) are in favor of a candidacy, Jeb's mother, Barbara, has expressed some trepidation. Lately, though, she has said that, "maybe it's OK" if he runs.

Bush's wife, Columba, may be another story. The Washington Post cites several sources close to the Bush family detailing her discomfort with being in the public eye. Families have become an increasingly visible part of a presidential campaign in the modern era, and Columba was even reluctant as the first lady of Florida during Jeb's governorship.

As for Boehner, he didn't commit to staying on as House speaker for another full year. Although he said that "I expect to be speaker" after the midterm elections, he also said there are factors he can't predict.

"I'm going to be 65 years old in November. I never thought I'd live to be 60 so I'm living on borrowed time," he said.