JEB for president?

I know that Jeb Bush has said he is not interested in running for president, but that is not stopping the bloggers and others from talking about the possibility. As a Florida resident, I have found him to be an excellent governor. Here is what Perry at obnoxiousfumes.com has to say:

On economics issues, Bush presided over what could have been a catastrophe: The effects of 9/11 on a state economy based largely on tourism. Instead, Bush avoided major problems and the Florida economy is doing well.

[Bush embraced] the Reagan economic philosophy. Florida eliminated some $6 billion dollars in taxes on businesses and those who invest in the state's economy. The result is a rebounding jobs market that is back to pre-9/11 levels, and boosted by a continuing expansion in economic sectors like construction and development. In fact, Wall Street has just upgraded Florida's credit rating for the first time in 30 years.

He has succeeded in other areas as well:

Gov. Bush deep-sixed the good-ole-boy system of state government, a relic of Florida's old days of system-abusing, "hail-fellow-well-met" Democrats. He passed legislation that transformed Florida's civil service system into one that is merit-based, not tenure-controlled. Many positions in state government that were once private political fiefdoms are now accountable to the state's chief executive. That includes Florida's head of public education, once elected, now appointed by the governor. Bush even dispensed with the Board of Regents -- almost universally a private little kingdom with too many kings -- instead of allowing state universities to continue serving as their own governing bodies.

And speaking of education: Bush has spearheaded the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT), which has set real standards for public schools. The governor has held those schools accountable for their test results. It was controversial with the state's teachers union, but it has proven the catalyst for real improvement in public schools.

Now throw this in the mix: While some Republican leaders talk about privatization of government services, Bush has set in motion a whirlwind series of initiatives to privatize everything from prisons to mental health facilities. Jeb Bush is a true conservative with a progressive bent.

So Jeb is certainly an attractive candidate. Of course, let's see how my favorite, Condi Rice, does over the next couple of years...the first woman president and the first minority president all wrapped up in one very talented person!

---Katie