Jeb Bush In Miami Denies Skirting The Rules
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Jeb Bush arrived at the Arsht Center For The Performing Arts in Miami Friday, looking fit and confident.
When asked if it was a great day to campaign, Bush replied "I'm not campaigning...yet."
The former Florida governor and presumptive candidate for president watched performances by outstanding students of the arts, being honored by the Foundation For Excellence. In speaking to the scholars he drew a chuckle, remarking over the phalanx of reporters and television crews in the balcony.
"We've been doing this for sixteen years and all of a sudden TV cameras are showing up," Bush said with a shrug and a smile.
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Bush praised the scholarship winners, gave them their awards and didn't talk politics – until talking with the media.
Bush continues to be hounded by critics who say he's skirted campaign laws by not filing with election officials. Two formal complaints have been filed with elections officials. Bush's political action committee has raised at least a reported a $100 million, and he has been stumping the country drawing supporters and donations. Critics say Bush is a candidate who should be following the rules of the Federal Elections Commission.
Bush insisted he's acting within the law.
"We're complying with all the laws. Every action is taken with the advice of lawyers," Bush said. "There are other candidates in the exact same position I'm in."
Bush will take a fast trip to Europe, presumably honing his foreign affairs skills, before making his big announcement regarding his presidential ambitions on June 15th.
"It's a chance for me to learn," Bush said of his five day jaunt across the pond. He insisted the trip is for substance, not show. If it was show, I would go and do one event a day, but I am going sixteen hours a day for five days."
About the big announcement coming up, after what has essentially been more than six months of campaigning, Bush was asked if the announcement might be anticlimactic.
"There are other candidates that haven't announced their candidacy that are likely to run as well," Bush said. "So, I'm certainly not going to be the last person in a very large field that are considering running for president."
Indeed, there are already 20 formally declared candidates for the GOP nomination with more still to come.
Bush will attend his mother's birthday celebration this weekend, then it's off to the whirlwind trip through Europe, followed by his big announcement a week from Monday. If he announces he is not running, that would be news.
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