OPINION

Jeb Bush Repeats: 'I'm Flattered,' but Not Running

Townhall Staff
Townhall Staff  |  May 23, 2011
The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Townhall.com.
With the withdrawal of Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels from the Republican presidential race during the weekend, some establishment Republicans hoped that former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush might reconsider his decision not to run next year. But Bush dashed those hopes in a statement Sunday.

"While I am flattered by everyone's encouragement, my decision has not changed," he wrote. "I will not be a candidate for president in 2012."

Many Republicans have called for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to run as well, but he has repeatedly insisted he won’t enter the campaign. Those who considered a bid but decided to pass include former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, real estate mogul/reality TV star Donald Trump, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and South Dakota Sen. John Thune.

Read more on Newsmax.com: Jeb Bush Repeats: 'I'm Flattered,' but Not Running