An interesting story has popped up in Florida Today, outlining the pros and cons of a possible 2016 presidential by former Florida Governor Jeb Bush.

First of all, we all know Bush is still very popular amongst Floridians, and he enjoys unprecedented national name ID, mostly because of his father and brothers past stints in the oval office.

It’s still a bit early to be discussing who will be running for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination, but we all like to speculate, so we will talk about it anyways.

According to the report, embattled Speaker John Boehner would really like to see the centrist Bush run of President, saying that “he could be a very competent candidate and could make that appeal.”

Jeb’s big bro, President George W. Bush, has also recently told Fox News that he thinks his little brother would be “a great president” because ” he understands what it’s like to be president.”

Again, Jeb Bush is a centrist. While there is nothing wrong with that, conservatives like myself, who have the utmost respect for him, still hold reservations about his positions on a few key issues.

In all fairness, I can say said about some, if not all of the other potential presidential candidates.

Believe me, if it went down to voting for Jeb or Hillary, you can bet your last bottom taco that I am going to back Bush.

After all, his brother had me at “fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can’t get fooled again.”

So what are these pros and cons of a Jeb Bush presidency?

The Pros:

• His name. He wouldn’t have to spend millions introducing himself to voters. And the corporate interests and Republican establishment donors who supported his father and brother would quickly line up behind him.

I agree.

• The Florida factor: Bush spent eight years at the helm of arguably the most important state in presidential politics. It’s the most populous swing state and is often a bellwether. Only once since 1960 has Florida voted for the loser — George H.W. Bush, his father — in 1992.

Yeah, but then there is Rubio to contend with. Rubio and Bush are 1 and 2 in the state as far as popularity

• Hispanic voters: Bush speaks fluent Spanish, his wife is Mexican-American, and he ran a state with a relatively high Hispanic population. To retake the White House, Republicans must win over a larger percentage of the Hispanic vote.

Jeb Bush doesn’t speak Spanish as well as Rubio. Because his wife is “Mexican-American” I would say, ” So what?” Advantage Rubio.

• Elder statesman: In a party full of up-and-comers, including Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, supporters say Bush comes across as the adult in the room. His flexible positions on immigration, education and taxes might not play well among tea party Republicans, but if he makes it past the primary his willingness to compromise on key issues could win over independent voters.

Jeb’s Achilles Heal is immigration and Common Core. Once again, Rubio has the advantage because he opposes Common Core, and has now seen the light, and is going back to his hawkish ‘legal immigration’ ways.

The Cons:

• His name: His brother left office in 2009 with an approval rating of 34 percent, according to Gallup. And many voters feel uncomfortable with family dynasties in the White House. Jeb Bush has pointed out that Hillary Rodham Clinton will face the same issue if she runs.

Americans want new blood, a new name and face.

• His stance on key issues. Bush’s support for immigration reform and Common Core education standards — and his willingness to consider a modest tax increase in return for lower federal spending and reform of entitlement programs — could alienate many GOP primary voters.

He is dead in the water on these issues. Viva Rubio!

But Boehner said Bush’s backing of immigration reform — the former governor described illegal immigration earlier this year as” an act of love… not a felony” — wouldn’t derail his presidential bid.
“Republican primary voters are by and large pro-immigration (reform),” Boehner said.

Americans are “by and large” pro-legal immigration(reform) There is a big difference.

• Family considerations: Bush’s wife is said to shun the spotlight, which would be difficult to avoid as first lady. A presidential campaign also would focus new attention on daughter Noelle’s drug problems that twice landed her in a Florida jail more than a decade ago.

Kids will be kids. As for the wife’s shyness, she is not alone. Rubio’s wife Jeanette is in the same boat, but to her credit, she has opened up more over the past several years, and is making an effort polish up in front of the cameras.

• The Rubio factor: Rubio, a Bush protege, also is weighing a run and Bush may not want to get in the way. Rubio also expects to make his decision around the end of the year.

Rubio says he is not basing his decision to run for President on what Jeb Bush does. Yes, they are close, but Rubio is his own man. Rubio should run. He can beat Bush. No offense Jeb. you know I still love you, except when you talk about Common Core and “compassion” for illegal aliens who have broken federal immigration laws.

Would you support a Jeb Bush presidential run?