- The Washington Times - Thursday, May 1, 2014

Former President George W. Bush says he hopes his brother, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, runs for president in 2016 — and that he’s only a phone call away if his younger brother needs advice.

“I hope he runs,” the former president told CNN, saying he thinks his brother would be a “great president.” “So hey, Jeb, if you need some advice, give me a call.”

“I have no clue what’s on his mind, and we will talk when he’s ready,” Mr. Bush said. “I noticed he’s moving around the country quite a bit.”

The former president said that while it’s hard for people to believe, he really has not talked much with his brother about the presidency.

A recent Washington Post-ABC News poll showed Jeb Bush tied with Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky in a hypothetical 2016 GOP presidential primary contest at 14 percent apiece among Republicans and GOP-leaning independents, with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee right behind at 13 percent.

“I can guarantee you he’s not looking at a poll to decide whether or not he wants to run,” the former president said. “He’s checking his core, and as he said publicly, ’I’m thinking about my family.’ And of course, he knows full well what a run for the presidency can do on family. After all, he’s seen his dad and his brother run for president.”

• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.

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