Run, Jeb, run!

I like Jeb Bush, the younger brother of President George W. Bush. Considering a run for the U.S. Senate in the seat being vacated by Mel Martinez, Mr. Bush stands a good chance in a state where he is still popular after serving as governor.

According to News Max:

Bush, 55, won praise from Democrats and Republicans alike for leading the state through eight hurricanes over a two-year period. He used standardized testing to overhaul the education system, was credited with making government more efficient and lowered taxes to make Florida more business-friendly.

While his older brother, soon-to-be former President George W. Bush is so unpopular and has been a liability to many Republicans candidates - and was one undoing for Martinez - Jeb Bush remains a popular figure here.

"I hope that Gov. Bush gets in the race. In my personal opinion, he understands public policy better than any other potential candidate looking at that race, by far," said former state House Speaker Allan Bense, who was contemplating his own bid. Bense said he would not run if Bush entered. "It would clear the Republican field, I'm sure."

Governor Bush worked hard for education reform:

The former governor has spent much of his time since leaving office promoting education policy as the founder and president of the Foundation for Excellence in Education. As governor, he put a strong emphasis on standardized testing to keep teachers and schools accountable and passed a voucher program that allowed students in failing public schools to attend provide schools at taxpayer expense. That program was later ruled unconstitutional.

He would be an asset in Washington. The Bushes ... leadership runs in the family.