Jennifer Rubin: 'Don't forget about Jeb'

Jennifer Rubin's Tuesday column in the Washington Post provided good insight into former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and the opportunity for him to run for president in 2016.

Jeb, younger brother of former President George W. Bush and son of former President George H.W. Bush, has always been on my short list of candidates for 2016. His chances appear to have increased with the unfortunate circumstances of two of the other forerunners: Chris Christie and Bob McDonnell.

Don't get me wrong ... I'm not writing Chris Christie out just because of his "Bridgegate" issue. Come on, people -- if Hillary can bungle Bengazi the way she did and still be a serious contender for 2016, a little tied-up traffic can't be enough to knock Christie out of the running. But some conservatives can't get beyond the fact that Christie was, in their opinion, a little too snuggly with the President of the United States. I say the man had a huge disaster on his hands in Hurricane Sandy's tragic damage to New Jersey, and was being courteous to the man who offered help.

What is it with conservatives who think everyone needs to be snippy and nasty to those they politically disagree with? Sorry, I prefer to take a page out of the playbook of George W when it comes to civility.

Back to the list. Sadly, our own Governor Bob McDonnell is now pretty wounded by his own Giftgate issues that surfaced while in the Executive Mansion.

Which brings us back to George W's brother, Jeb. No matter what his mom said about not needing any more Bushes in the White House -- Barbara often makes off-the-cuff comments like that -- if he's the man for the job, it doesn't matter that he's a Bush.

There are many who disagree and I respect that. They think the baton should be passed on to "new blood." I say it needs to go to the person best qualified who can lead this country during the current turbulent times and, though I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, if Jeb wants the job then I certainly think he's qualified with his background and common sense Bush family knowledge.

Jennifer Rubin shoots down most of the reasons people would have against Jeb. Give her column a read ... it could open the door to back this very-electable Bush brother/son.

NJ polls: Christie dominates governor's race

Governor Chris Christie continues to dominate in the polls for New Jersey's 2013 gubernatorial race. Real Clear Politics took six polls -- Quinnipiac, Fairleigh Dickinson, Rasmussen Reports, Richard Stockton College, Monmouth University, Rutgers-Eagleton -- and averaged them to show Christie leading 60 percent to 28 percent against Democratic opponent state Senator Barbara Buono.

Christie, seeking reelection for a second term, is a well-liked Republican governor in a blue state who has been praised for his leadership in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and his willingness to reach out to President Barack Obama in his search for help.