Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Jeb Bush Stumps for Scott in Sarasota

Jeb presses the flesh at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
Steve Newborn
/
WUSF News
Jeb presses the flesh at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Click here to listen to the story

Both Charlie Crist and Rick Scott are hauling out the biggest names in each party as election day draws near. Today, Crist campaigned with Bill Clinton, and Scott toured the state with governors Bobby Jindal and Rick Perry. And perhaps the biggest name in Republican politics stumped for Scott in Sarasota.

 Click here to listen to Jeb Bush's entire speech at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Jeb presses the flesh at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
Credit Steve Newborn / WUSF News
/
WUSF News
Jeb presses the flesh at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

The rock star of Florida Republicans is doing some last-minute campaigning for Governor Rick Scott. Former Governor Jeb Bush rallied about 100 people gathered at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. Bush said he wants Scott to join what he called a "very exclusive club" of Republicans who have been re-elected governor of Florida - a club that for now only includes Bush. He also took some shots at another former Republican governor, Charlie Crist.

"We cannot go back to a time where Charlie Crist is governor of this state, because we will languish again," he said. "What we need to do is realize that Rick Scott is our future. That we need to focus on creating jobs, creating an environment of job creation, continue to assure that children gain the power of knowledge, and we'll be the envy of the rest of the world."

After the rally, Bush deflected questions about his possible candidacy for the White House, saying he'll wait until the end of the year to make that decision.

"I'm going to be making up my mind after this election, and it will be based on if it's right for my family, and can I do it in a way - if I'm successful - can I do it in a way that allows the next president to solve problems," Bush said. "That's what we need to do. So that's a year-end decision, it's been that way since the beginning, and the speculation about it - I guess that's flattering, but I really haven't changed my timetable."

Bush says he has had a "blessed life," saying he doesn't feel like he has to run for president to feel fulfilled in his life.

Jeb Bush Stumps for Scott in Sarasota

Copyright 2014 WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7

Steve Newborn is WUSF's assistant news director as well as a reporter and producer at WUSF covering environmental issues and politics in the Tampa Bay area.