“I think he has to explain why that’s a legitimate way of campaigning,” Bush said of Rick Scott’s Attempt to Buy the Election

Today, in a show of pure partisan loyalty, former Governor Jeb Bush endorsed Rick Scott — a politician who Bush has historically not supported and broken with on key issues. After all, Bush attacked Rick Scott three years ago and aggressively supported his primary opponent, Bill McCollum.

Three years ago, Bush said that he “did not know about Rick Scott.” Bush argued that Rick Scott was not a “principled, centered leader” and lashed out at Scott’s attempt to buy the election: “Never in my mind did I imagine some guy stroking a $25 million or $30 million check out of his own bank account to run a campaign,” Bush said. “People think that’s a little weird. I think he has to explain why that’s a legitimate way of campaigning.” Bush argued that Rick Scott would have to “go and read a poll” to find out where he stood on tough issues. 

Florida Democratic Party Chair Allison Tant said, “Three years ago, Jeb Bush showed better judgement than he did today. The so-called ‘education governor’, who did not support Rick Scott for governor, has endorsed the governor most harmful to education in Florida history. Even earlier this year, Rick Scott broke with Bush and sided with the Tea Party when he rejected key elements of Common Core. The fact is that Jeb Bush is putting pure partisan loyalty above what’s best for Florida.”

Background

“Bill doesn’t have to go and read a poll”. “When decisions have to be made that may be tough, Bill doesn’t have to go and read a poll. … I want a governor like that.” [St. Petersburg Times, 8/10/10]

Jeb Bush backs McCollum’s attacks; The candidate sharpens his assault on Scott’s character.  “I don’t know about Rick Scott. I do know about Bill McCollum,” Bush said after casting an early ballot at the Miami-Dade County Elections Department in Doral. “I’ve been governor. It’s important to have a principled, centered leader there.” [Palm Beach Post, 8/11/10]

Bush suggested voters should be wary of Scott. “Never in my mind did I imagine some guy stroking a $25 million or $30 million check out of his own bank account to run a campaign,” Bush said. “People think that’s a little weird. I think he has to explain why that’s a legitimate way of campaigning.” [WFTS, 08/15/10]