“For the sake of our party and country, we must move to overcome the divisiveness and vulgarity Donald Trump has brought into the political arena, or we will certainly lose our chance to defeat the Democratic nominee and reverse President Obama’s failed policies. To win, Republicans need to make this election about proposing solutions to the many challenges we face, and I believe that we should vote for Ted as he will do just that.”
And with those words, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush broke his silence after suspending his presidential campaign in February, endorsing Ted Cruz in an effort to unify the Republican Party. It is a big and significant endorsement from the establishment wing of the party. Bush’s complete endorsement, as released by the Cruz campaign:
“Today, I am endorsing Ted Cruz for President. Ted is a consistent, principled conservative who has demonstrated the ability to appeal to voters and win primary contests. Washington is broken, and the only way Republicans can hope to win back the White House and put our nation on a better path is to support a nominee who can articulate how conservative policies will help people rise up and reach their full potential.
“For the sake of our party and country, we must move to overcome the divisiveness and vulgarity Donald Trump has brought into the political arena, or we will certainly lose our chance to defeat the Democratic nominee and reverse President Obama’s failed policies. To win, Republicans need to make this election about proposing solutions to the many challenges we face, and I believe that we should vote for Ted as he will do just that.”
Politico reported that Bush and Cruz had remained in contact since Bush left the presidential contest:
Bush and Cruz sealed the endorsement agreement with a phone call on Monday. “They have kept in touch over the last few weeks and Senator Cruz has been diligent about keeping Governor Bush up to date on his campaign,” a source close to Bush said.
The source said Bush “will actively support Senator Cruz’s bid,” but has not yet agreed to a joint appearance with Cruz, or to headline a fundraiser for him.
Bush joins former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Senator Lindsey Graham as well as Carly Fiorina.
Politico noted Bush’s endorsement of Cruz was not an anti-Kasich move:
“This is NOT an anti-John Kasich endorsement. Governor Bush has enormous respect for John Kasich and he enjoyed spending time with Governor Kasich over the past year – thinks he is a good guy and a good governor. At this point, the best path to victory is supporting the candidate who has been able to win states and win over voters.”
Cruz responded to Bush’s endorsement that he was “truly honored to earn Governor Jeb Bush’s support,” and continued, “Governor Bush was an extraordinary governor of Florida, and his record of job creation and education innovation left a lasting legacy for millions of Floridians. His endorsement today is further evidence that Republicans are continuing to unite behind our campaign to nominate a proven conservative to defeat Hillary Clinton in November, take back the White House, and ensure a freer and more prosperous America for future generations.”
LynnRMitchell.com 