Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush Boosts Romney, Defends Ex-President

Posted August 31st, 2012 at 12:05 am (UTC-5)
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Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush took the stage at the Republican National Convention in Tampa – just not in the way many of his supporters envisioned four years ago.

At one point, supporters had hoped to see the 59-year-old son of former president George H.W. Bush and younger brother of former president George W. Bush run for president himself. Instead, he will be one of the speakers trying to rally the crowd and build enthusiasm for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

Jeb Bush, who ruled out a White House bid early on, focused his speech on education and the need to make sure young people of all background have a chance to learn and compete in the global economy.

Bush also defended his brother, George W. Bush. The former Florida governor said he is upset at the way President Barack Obama has attacked George W. Bush's record, blaming him for many of the nation's current problems.

As for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush has some advice. Bush said Wednesday Mr. Romney needs to find a way to connect with voters on an emotional level if he wants to get enough votes to win in November.

Jeb Bush was born in Texas on February 11, 1953 and went to school at the University of Texas.

He moved to Florida in the 1980s, where he worked in real estate. He entered politics in the late 1980s and was elected governor in 1998.

He and his wife, Columba, have three children and live in Miami, Florida.