On April 7, Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul announced his presidential run, claiming that we need a “new kind of Republican” — ostensibly more libertarian-leaning — to win. In March, Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz announced his presidential run, arguing that the “mushy middle” won’t win the presidency.
The candidate that best embodies this “mushy middle” of “old-school Republicans” is former Florida governor Jeb Bush. Bush has endured much conservative hate, as well as accusations of being a “moderate” or even a “progressive.” New Hampshire right-wing activists plan to thwart his primary chances, deeming him a RINO.
Why the hate? Two reasons: Education and immigration. But neither is enough to write Bush off, as so many Tea Partiers have. They ought to give Jeb a chance.
Bush did support Common Core to raise education standards for Florida students. Many conservatives misunderstand this as favoring the Common Core as implemented in states such as New York or Illinois. But Bush’s position is much more complex — and conservative — than the Common Core caricature that many conservatives paint. To Bush, national standards cannot achieve education reform. He seeks a broader approach compatible with conservative ideas, such as market-based competition. He has consistently opposed the federalization of education, even reducing government education involvement as in Florida with America’s first statewide voucher program.
On immigration, Bush is much more open to reform than most conservatives. This practically makes him anathema to the Cruz-Paul voters, who mostly want increased border security and aggressive removal of current resident illegal immigrants. But Bush’s position does not totally contradict a desire for more controlled immigration. He supports better border security as a prelude to providing illegal immigrants a pathway to legal status.
Bush’s immigration position could even earn new Republican voters. Former President Ronald Reagan once said that “Hispanics are Republican voters; they just don’t know it yet.” Bush’s reformist attitude would challenge Hispanic stereotyping of Republicans as nativists, growing the conservative coalition and ensuring victory in 2016.
On other conservative issues, Bush’s stances are clear. He is golden on Second Amendment issues. He once called our constitutionally-enshrined right to bear arms the “original homeland security act” and promoted “stand-your-ground” legislation in Florida.
Bush’s bold pro-life stance would ensure conservative gains on life issues under his presidency. As Florida’s governor during the Terri Schiavo case, Bush attempted to protect the sanctity of life despite fierce criticism. Pro-life Republicans ought to respect his brave decision and demand similar conviction in whoever wins the nomination.
Bush’s conservatism is apparent on economic issues, too. He openly supports the Balanced Budget Amendment, opposes a federal estate tax, cut billions in taxes and wasteful spending as Florida’s governor, and seeks to reduce regulations that prevent prosperity. His primary economic adviser is Glenn Hubbard, an architect of the 2003 tax cuts. After eight years of failed liberal economic policies, Bush would restore economic prosperity.
Maybe Jeb Bush is not your first choice. Maybe his last name scares you, or his immigration policy alienates you. But he is no progressive. We have not even gotten to debating season, and yet so many have rejected a strong conservative. We should approach the 2016 primaries with an open mind, and focus on finding the candidate to beat Hillary next November. Maybe it will be Rand Paul or Ted Cruz. Or maybe it will be Jeb Bush. We can only find the best candidate if we tackle this primary without prejudice, and that means taking Jeb seriously as a candidate.
