Spokesman: George P. Bush is Still Shopping

George P. Bush’s political plans were partially unveiled Wednesday by his own father, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, in a fundraising letter that said the younger Bush was looking at a race for Texas land commissioner in 2014.

That wasn’t the last word. It’s true he’s looking at that race, according to his campaign, but that’s not the only race he is considering. Bush wasn’t available for comment, but Trey Newton, a spokesman for his campaign — which filed its startup papers with the state last week — issued a statement:

As Gov. Bush stated, George P. is considering running for Texas Land Commissioner, however no firm decision has been made.

We have said from day one that George P. is looking where he can best serve the State and people of Texas which includes considering Texas Land Commissioner as well as Attorney General, Texas Comptroller and other Statewide positions. 

Right now the organization is in an exploratory process where George P. is travelling the state meeting with Texans about how best to serve.

Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson has said he wants to run for lieutenant governor in 2014, which would leave his current position open. The same is true of Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, but the younger Bush doesn’t have the farming interests required of candidates seeking that position. While other statewide officeholders have talked about running for other jobs, none has said outright that they’ll be running or that their current positions will be open. Bush is apparently trying to avoid a direct challenge to a sitting Republican officeholder, at least for now.

Here’s his father’s fundraising letter, as reported by the Tampa Bay Times. 

Dear Jeb Alumni member:

Last week, George P. opened a campaign account to explore the opportunity to run for statewide office in Texas. I am writing to ask that you consider making a personal contribution as he begins his quest for public service.

While the election is in 2014, it is important to show early financial support, particularly in a state as big as Texas. The office that George is considering running for is Land Commissioner which overseas the mineral rights, commercial real estate owned and sovereign submerged lands of the State of Texas as well as veterans affairs and historic archives.

George’s experience and skills match the job. In business, he has helped build a successful real estate fund business, and practiced law. In addition, he currently serves as an Intelligence Officer in the Navy Reserves. In that capacity, he served in Afghanistan for nine months last year.

Politically, George has earned the right to run by being Chairman of MAVPac, which is now a national organization, Chairman of Hispanic Republicans of Texas, an active surrogate of the Romney/Ryan ticket and Deputy Finance Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas.

Ok, what can I say? I am proud of my son. I hope you will write a personal check to George P. Bush Campaign, 604 E. 4th St., Suite 201, Ft. Worth, TX 76102.

Respectfully,

Jeb