Florida

Supporters, Critics React to Jeb Bush's 2016 Announcement

Jeb Bush's formal announcement Monday for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination ended months, if not years of speculation about his political future, and some supporters said it's about time.

"He is steady, he is cautious, I think that he has a lot of experience and I think he has a lot to offer America," supporter Elena Ortega-Tauler said, as Bush made his announcement at Miami Dade College.

"I admire him, I think he did a great job as a governor and I think he can be the leader that this country really needs going forward," Carlos Musibay said.

Over the weekend, Bush released campaign videos touting his experience, his goals and emphasizing his conservative core values.

And as his campaign steams forward, his critics get louder, like Weston Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who talked about Bush's two terms as Florida's governor on Monday.

"If you did not agree with him then all bets were off, he would do anything and everything to prevent you from getting your way," Wasserman Schultz said.

The crowded Republican field isn't scaring off the brother and son of former presidents. He'll spend the next 17 Months trying to set himself apart.

On Monday, fellow candidate and Floridian Marco Rubio welcomed Bush into the race.

"In politics, people throw around the word 'friend' so much it often has little real meaning. This is not one of those times," Rubio said in a statement. "When I call Jeb Bush my friend, I mean he is someone I like, care for and respect. He and I have worked closely together for many years, on issues big and small. He is a passionate advocate for what he believes, and I welcome him to the race."

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who announced his 2016 run in March, also had kind words for Bush.

"I'm glad to welcome Jeb Bush to the growing and diverse field of 2016 GOP candidates. Gov. Bush is a good man and was a strong governor in Florida. I look forward to a productive and thoughtful debate on the issues most important to Republican voters as the 2016 GOP primary season gets into full swing," Cruz said in a statement. "Gov. Bush brings a lifetime of service to this field, and his candidacy ensures our eventual nominee will be all the stronger and equipped to face Hillary Clinton in the general election."

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