Bush vs Perry in Florida GOP Primary

Politicons: Perry Wants to be President, but will The Bushes thwart his plan?

by Nick Stone of Drawnlines Politics:

As the race for President in 2012 takes shape, stories continue to surface about the rift between Bush and Perry loyalists - G.W. Bush, that is.  The Bush 43 camp clearly has animosity toward the man who succeeded him as Governor of Texas.  Most prominently, Chief Strategist Karl Rove has made the t.v. rounds questioning Perry's qualifications and strategy.

Last week, Bush's brother Jeb found his way into the discussion.  Ironically, Governor Bush intended to play down differences between Perry and the Bushes.  Newsmax reported Wednesday that Bush praised Mitt Romney in an interview with Neil Cavuto.  According to Bush, "Governor Romney is going to have a proposal that will be longer-term and create sustained growth."

Insiders know that Jeb's praise for Mitt Romney is nothing new.  In 2007, Bush notably urged his close confidants to meet and consider Romney before making any commitments in the 2008 election.  Many of his inner circle did just that, and several did join team Romney.  While quietly steering insiders toward Romney, Bush remained officially neutral until endorsing John McCain in the aftermath of his Florida victory.

The Club for Growth recently offered tepid praise for Governor Perry, while simultaneously cautioning followers about contradicting policy stances and an interventionist streak.  Current Florida Governor Rick Scott has been vocal in his man crush over Governor Perry, citing his pro-growth policies and job growth in Texas. Perry also recently claimed support from former President George W. Bush.

As Florida's Presidency 5 straw poll nears, insiders will be listening closely to behind the scenes chatter and maneuvering between the Perry and Romney camps for the support of grassroots conservatives.  Dedicated ground support will likely make the difference in Florida's delegate rich primary election next year.

Posted by Nick Stone on 3:42 AM. Filed under Florida, George Bush, gop, Jeb Bush, Mitt Romney, POTUS, Rick Perry, Rick Scott, RPOF . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0