Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, left, and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. (2010 Getty Images)
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush thinks the choice for GOP vice presidential nominee is clear – Marco Rubio.
In a comment that nearly went unnoticed amid Bush’s endorsement Wednesday of Mitt Romney for president, Bush told the Pittsburg Tribune-Review that the Florida senator is "dynamic, joyful, disciplined and principled."
And at least one other member of the Bush family – Jeb Bush Jr. – told Fox News Latino Thursday that he too backs Florida Senator Marco Rubio for vice president.
The elder Bush told the Pittsburgh newspaper: "He is the best orator of American politics today, a good family man.”
“He is not only a consistent conservative, but he has managed to find a way to communicate a conservative message full of hope and optimism.”
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On Thursday, Jeb Bush Jr. said he is supporting Romney – making three the members of the Bush family who are endorsing the former Massachusetts governor. In December, former President George H.W. Bush announced his endorsement of Romney.
He is the best orator of American politics today, a good family man.
In an email to Fox News Latino, Jeb Bush Jr. said he is “a Mitt man,” and said that Rubio would be the ideal running mate.
“He would be a great VP!” Bush Jr. said. “He's a substantive person who would fire up the base!”
Bush Jr. worked on the presidential campaign of former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman until he dropped out of the primary race. Bush Jr. was Huntsman's National Co-Chair for Generation H His official role was to gain the support of young professional organizations, and members of Generation H, who range in age from 20 to 30.
The elder Jeb Bush often has stressed the importance of more moderation in the rhetoric in the GOP primary race, particularly as it pertains to immigration and how Latino voters may perceive comments. Many of the candidates, particularly Romney, have called for a hard line on immigration.
Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, Texas Democrat and chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, released a statement criticizing the elder Bush's endorsement of Romney.
“It is puzzling that Governor Jeb Bush, a typically moderate voice in the debate on immigration, has chosen to endorse Mitt Romney, who has consistently proven to be the most extreme candidate on issues that impact the Hispanic community," Gonzalez said.
“Last April, I wrote to Gov. Bush to say I was encouraged by his comments of support for common sense immigration reform and to request a meeting so that we could build on our shared beliefs," the statement continued. "It is disappointing that a date to meet was never set and that now, Gov. Bush is supporting a candidate that wants the extremist laws in Arizona as a national model.”
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Some in the Republican party had seen the former Florida governor as an ideal presidential nominee himself, one who would be able to appeal to middle class and Latino voters looking for an alternative to President Barack Obama.
“I have the perfect candidate — Jeb Bush. But he’s not running,” said Andy Card, former George W. Bush Chief of Staff, in an interview with Charlie Rose on CBS.
“What Democrat would not worry about a popular leader from a critical state who sounds pretty moderate and can rescue the GOP from its anti-Latino death grip?"
Jeb Bush Jr. has been active in organizations and events aimed at helping the GOP party connect with Latino voters.
Follow Elizabeth Llorente on Twitter: @Liz_Llorente
Elizabeth Llorente can be reached elizabeth.llorente@foxnewslatino.com
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