TALLAHASSEE - There are some things Gov. Jeb Bush doesn't mind repeating. The words "rising student achievement" cross his lips at every opportunity. So do "accountability" and "I have the best job in the world."
But there is one thing Bush has grown very weary of repeating: He's. Not. Running. For. President.
Repeat: Jeb Bush loves being governor of Florida. He has the best job in the world (see above). He's really, really not planning a run for the White House, or even the U.S. Senate.
So quit asking already.
Bush found himself swearing once again Tuesday morning that he does not have designs on a run for U.S. Senate in 2006 or for president in 2008. Bush has two more years left as governor but has been dogged lately with questions about his aspirations following his departure from the Governor's Mansion in 2006.
Bush promises that he isn't considering, hasn't ever considered and will never consider a run for Senate or the White House in the next four years.
"Why am I not believable on this subject? This is driving me nuts," Bush said.
But when asked whether he'll "eventually" run for either of those offices his answer was: That depends on what you mean by "eventually."
"Eventually, what's that?" Bush asked as he tried to shake a gaggle of reporters on his way to the Cabinet meeting Tuesday morning.
