Bush sheds light on Bush

Published: Saturday, December 20, 2014 at 10:05 p.m. Last Modified: Saturday, December 20, 2014 at 10:35 p.m.

Now, the question becomes: What kind of candidate and, possibly, president would Bush be?

A good way to assess Bush today is to look back on his record as a two-term governor. A narrow defeat in a gubernatorial election in 1994 and eight years as Floridas chief executive have done much to shape his political philosophy.

But the way Bush is viewed now does not always jibe with his record as governor.

For example, criticism from Tea Party conservatives that Bush is too moderate is at odds with those who remember him as one of Floridas most conservative governors, cutting taxes for the wealthy, embracing anti-abortion and gun-rights legislation, privatizing state services, battling teachers unions and expanding school vouchers.

He personally inserted himself into the Terri Schiavo right-to-die case. He was a bilingual governor with a Hispanic wife who drew controversy for ending affirmative action programs.

Although he had a friendly Republican Legislature, he wasnt afraid to use his veto pen on pet projects and bills from lawmakers. He was tested in a crisis as a governor who had to face an unprecedented eight hurricanes in two years during his second term.

Bush was a proud policy wonk, delving deeply into issues and programs. He brought in national policy makers, leaders and writers to address his staff. He introduced Floridas first e-budget. His official portrait has his Blackberry within his reach.

Former state Sen. Dan Gelber, a Democratic legislative leader during Bushs tenure, said he and the conservative Republican governor were diametrically opposed on most of the major issues facing Florida, including education policy, abortion rights and tax cuts. Gelber said while Bush did not necessarily seek a challenge, he seemed to enjoy a lively exchange on his proposals.

I liked the give and take, Gelber said. I think he felt you wanted to test and challenge ideas.

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Bush sheds light on Bush