Politics

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush to remain neutral in GOP primary

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If former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney was hoping for an endorsement from former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush to reinforce his lead in the Florida GOP primary polls, he’d best look elsewhere.

In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg News released Saturday night, Bush said that while he has been “courted” by both Romney and former Speaker Newt Gingrich, he will “stay neutral” in the Republican presidential primary.

He does, however, “intend to help whoever wins the nomination.”

Bush added that both Gingrich and Romney are “credible” candidates, but warned about the “circular firing squad” nature of a divisive primary. Instead he encouraged the candidates to adopt a “broader appeal.”

“Candidates are making lasting impressions on voters, not just primary voters, in how they campaign,” Bush said.“You have to remember that in a state like Florida, independent voters will decide the election. You have to maintain your principles but have a broader appeal.”

In December Bush’s father, former President George H. W. Bush, offered Romney his “unofficial” endorsement.

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