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*DirectorBush's "tenure as governor of Florida was marked by the privatization of traditional state services, " according to ''The New York Times''.<ref name="bush announces"/> In 2008 Bush founded the nonprofit education reform group the [[American Action ForumFoundation for Excellence in Education]] <ref>(FEE) and its affiliated group [[http://americanactionforum.org/about AboutChiefs for Change]], American Action Forumwhich advocate for the expansion of school vouchers and privatization of public education, accessed December 23and which have been criticized for influencing state education policy-making to benefit the business interests of their corporate, 2011for-profit funders.</refname="postal bush foundation">*Advisory BoardLeslie Postal, [[George W. Bush Institute]] <ref>"[http://georgewbushinstitutearticles.orlandosentinel.com/george2013-01-w30/features/os-bush-institutefoundation-criticism-20130130_1_jeb-bush-boardeducation-ofreform-advisors/ Advisory Boardfoundation Jeb Bush foundation criticized as benefiting corporate donors], George W. Bush Institute" ''Orlando Sentinel'', accessed April 20January 30, 20102013.</ref>*Founder, [[Foundation for Excellence in Education]]*Founder, [[Chiefs for Change]]
==Involvement in education reform with ties to ALEC==__TOC__
Bush is the founder of education reform groups ==2016 Presidential Campaign==[[Chiefs for Change]] and the [[Foundation for Excellence in Education]](FEE) which both have been found organizing with state education officials to promote the business interests of their corporate, for-profit fundersFile:Jeb_Bush_2016_logo. The FEE is also a member of the [[American Legislative Exchange Council]], whose pay-for-play operation consists of a similar agenda to those jpg|200px|right|thumb|Logo of Jeb Bush founded education reform groups's 2016 campaign.<ref>,Source: [httphttps://louisianavoicetwitter.com/2013JebBush/01status/30/nonprofit-group-releases-emails-which-depict-connection-between-alec-education-reform-and-corporate-investors/ Nonprofit group releases emails which depict connection between ALEC, education reform and corporate investors610063493237084160 Jeb Bush.]]], ''Louisiana Voice'', January 30th, 2013.</ref>
Bush founded group the Foundation for Excellence in Education's CEO has strongly advocated state officials introduce SendHub, a communication tool of which Bush is invested in, into state schools.<ref>,[http://www.inthepublicinterest.org/blog/jeb-bushs-education-nonprofit-really-about-corporate-profits?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+itpi-blog+%28ITPI+Commentary+Feed%29 Bushes Education Non-Profit and Corporate Profits], ''In thee Public Interest'', January 30th, 2013.</ref>Key Campaign Staff===
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[[File:Jeb_Bush_at_CPAC_2015_400x600_au-MichaelVadon.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Jeb Bush speaking at 2015 CPAC conference. Photo: [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jeb_Bush_at_CPAC_2015,_National_Harbor,_MD_08.jpg Michael Vadon.]]]'''John Ellis "Jeb" Bush''', born February 11, 1953, in Midland, Texas, was the Republican Governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007 and is a brother of Republican candidate for President [[George Walker Bush]] and son of former President [[George Herbert Walker Bush]]in the 2016 election cycle. Bush was elected as <ref name="florida bio">Florida's Republican Governor in November 1998 and was re-elected November 2002 (term expires January 2007).Department of State, "[http://wwwdos.myflorida.com/myfloridaflorida-facts/governmentflorida-history/meetgovernorflorida-governors/jebbush.html][http:john-ellis-bush//abcnews.go.com/sections/politics/DailyNews/GOPCVN_bushdynasty.html] John Ellis Bush is the founder of education reform groups [[Chiefs for Change]] and the [[Foundation for Excellence in Education]](FEE) which both have been found organizing with state education officials to promote the business interests of their corporate, for-profit funders" government website, accessed June 2015.</ref><ref name="bush announces">Michael Barbaro and Jonathan Martin,"[http://louisianavoicewww.nytimes.com/20132015/06/0116/30us/politics/nonprofitjeb-groupbush-releasespresidential-emails-which-depict-connection-between-alec-education-reform-and-corporate-investors/ Nonprofit group releases emails which depict connection between ALECcampaign.html Jeb Bush Announces White House Bid, education reform and corporate investorsSaying ‘America Deserves Better’], " ''Louisiana VoiceNew York Times'', January 30thJune 16, 20132015.</ref> Jeb Bush is a son of former President [[George Herbert Walker Bush]] and brother of former President [[George Walker Bush]].<ref name="florida bio"/>
==Profiting from education reform groups=Announcement===Bush announced his candidacy for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination on Monday, June 15, 2015.<ref name="bush announces"/> Before his announcement he had conducted heavy fundraising, raising concerns about possible violations of campaign finance rules (see [[#FEC_Complaint_Alleges_Bush_Broke_Federal_Campaign_Finance_Law|below]]).<ref>Patricia Mazzei, "[http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/elections-2016/jeb-bush/article24259312.html Jeb Bush prepares to launch candidacy, regain lost momentum]," ''Miami Herald'', June 14, 2015.</ref>
*Danny Diaz, Campaign Manager: served as campaign advisor to Mitt Romney's 2012 campaign and was on the communications teams for John McCain's 2008 campaign and George W. Bush's 2004 campaign.<ref name==Biographical Data=="After first arriving in Floridaglueck">Kate Glueck, [http://www.politico.com/story/2015/06/jeb-bush-2016-campaign-staff-power-players-119012.html The power players behind Jeb Bush's campaign], "Politico", June 15, 2015 </ref> Many had expected longtime Iowa strategist David Kochel to take the Campaign Manager role. However, Bush downplayed any controversy and said he helped start a real estate development company that today is one was naming Kochel as Chief Strategist to "kind of split up the largestduties."<ref>Karen Tumulty [http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/06/10/jeb-bush-downplays-his-campaign-staff-shakeup/ Jeb Bush downplays his campaign staff shakeup]", full-service commercial real estate companies in South Florida"Washington Post", June 10, 2015. In 1987-88</ref>*David Kochel, he served as FloridaChief Strategist: led Mitt Romney's Secretary campaigns in Iowa in 2008 and 2012.<ref name="glueck"/>*Sally Bradshaw, Senior Advisor: a close advisor of Bush since his 1998 campaign for governor of Commerce and promoted Florida's business climate worldwide.<ref name="glueck"/><ref>Jason Horowitz [http://www.myfloridanytimes.com/myflorida2015/02/government05/meetgovernorus/jebbusha-political-strategist-for-jeb-bush-all-southern-charm-and-grit.htmlA Close Bush Adviser Is All Charm and Grit] , "New York Times", February 4, 2015.</ref>*Mike Murphy, Manager of Right to Rise USA Super PAC: a close advisor of Bush since his 1998 campaign for governor of Florida.<ref name="glueck"/> *John Downs, Media Director: worked for the 2000 George W. Bush campaign as well as Ron Paul and Ted Cruz.<ref name="glueck"/>*Justin Muzinich, Policy Director: vice chairman of Muzinich and Co., an investment firm in New York, and previously worked at Morgan Stanley and at a hedge fund.<ref name="glueck"/>
===BushGave Keynote at 2015 Summit of Kochs's "first run at the post in 1994 was unsuccessful .. [He is] married to Mexican-born Columba Garnica, whom he met while studying in Mexico. They have raised their three children -- George P., Noelle and Jeb -- as Catholics who are fluent in both Spanish and English."[http://abcnews.go.com/sections/politics/DailyNews/GOPCVN_bushdynasty.html]Americans for Prosperity===
In June 2015 Bush was educated at announced as the keynote speaker for the August 2015 summit organized by [[Americans for Prosperity]], the right-wing group founded by [[Koch Brothers|Charles and David Koch]] and a key part of the right-wing [[Koch Network|Koch network's]] infrastructure. Bush had not previously appeared to be a favorite of the University Kochs, who opposed many of TexasGeorge W. Bush's foreign and economic policies, according to ''Mother Jones''.<ref>Russ Choma, "[http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/06/jeb-bush-americans-for-prosperity-koch-brothers Jeb Bush Just Got His Big Chance to Impress the Koch Brothers], " ''Mother Jones'', June 22, 2015.</ref> His speech was greeted with a BA Latin American Affairs (1974)"respectful but restrained applause." [http://www.pressreader.com/usa/austin-american-statesman-sunday/20150823/281612419148010/TextView Cruz Outshines Bush at Americans for Prosperity Summit], Associated Press, Aug. 22, 2015.</ref>
== Jeb =FEC Complaint Alleges Bush's Environmental Record Broke Federal Campaign Finance Law===According to [[John Hedrick]] of the [[Panhandle Citizens Coalition]], Bush has been helping the St. Joe Corporation develop the Florida Panhandle coastline in a destructive manner.
Like several other likely candidates who had not made an official declaration, Bush spent the first half of 2015 meeting with major donors and interest groups, traveling in early primary states, and holding fundraisers for his super PAC, [[Right to Rise]],<ref>Alex Isenstadt, "[http://www.politico.com/story/2015/05/jeb-bush-right-to-rise-super-pac-campaign-117753.html Jeb Bush's $100M May]," ''Politico'', May 8, 2015.</ref> with tickets to some events costing as much as $100,000.<ref>Matea Gold and Tom Hamburger, "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/super-pac-backing-jeb-bush-unlikely-to-hit-100-million-by-end-of-june/2015/06/09/f5f0d5a2-0ef1-11e5-a0dc-2b6f404ff5cf_story.html Super PAC backing Jeb Bush unlikely to hit $100 million by end of June]," ''Washington Post'', June 9, 2015.</ref> The legality of apparent-but-undeclared candidates soliciting unlimited funds and coordinating with their super PACs without making any disclosures was disputed.<ref name="goldmacher">Shane Goldmacher, "[http://www.nationaljournal.com/2016-elections/when-it-pays-to-pretend-you-re-not-running-for-president-20150316?mrefid=related When It Pays to Pretend You're Not Running for President]," ''National Journal'', March 16, 2015.</ref> [[Trevor Potter]], former general counsel for the presidential campaigns of Sen. [[John McCain]] (R-AZ) and president of the Campaign Legal Center, told the ''National Journal'', "What we're seeing is effectively a farce being played out here, where each of these candidates—in every sense of the word—is avoiding the longstanding requirements of federal election law... It's very much a wink and a nod, we all know this, this is a game."<ref name="goldmacher"/> By conducting a major fundraising effort, building campaign infrastructure, and traveling extensively in primary states without following the fundraising and reporting requirements set out by federal law, Bush exhibited "total disregard" for campaign finance law, the Campaign Legal Center argued in a March 2015 complaint.<ref name="com2">Campaign Legal Center, "[http://www.campaignlegalcenter.org/news/press-releases/fec-complaints-against-presidential-hopefuls-show-widespread-violations-total FEC Complaints Against Presidential Hopefuls Show Widespread Violations, Total Disregard for Campaign Finance Law: They Must Take the American People for Fools]," press release, March 31, 2015.</ref> The Campaign Legal Center and Democracy 21 filed complaints against Bush and three other likely presidential candidates--[[Scott Walker]], [[Martin O'Malley]], and [[Rick Santorum]]--with the Federal Election Commission on March 31, 2015.<ref name="com"> J. Gerald Hebert and Fred Wertheimer, [http://www.campaignlegalcenter.org/sites/default/files/CLC%20%20D21%20v.%20Jeb%20Bush_Complaint_3.31.15.pdf Jeb Bush Complaint], Campaign Legal Center, legal complaint, March 31, 2015.</ref> The complaint against Bush argues that despite the lack of an official declaration of candidacy, there is "reason to believe that Jeb Bush has decided to become a candidate, as indicated by his activities on behalf of Right to Rise Super PAC to raise 'funds in excess of what could reasonably be expected to be used for exploratory activities' and 'designed to amass campaign funds that would be spent after he or she becomes a candidate,' rendering inapplicable the 'testing the waters' exception to 'candidate' status." Therefore, he "has failed to comply with the candidate registration and reporting requirements...as well as the candidate contribution limits and restrictions" established in federal law.<ref name="com"/> Paul S. Ryan, Senior Counsel for the Campaign Legal Center, stated,:"These 2016 presidential contenders must take the American people for fools—flying repeatedly to Iowa and New Hampshire to meet with party leaders and voters, hiring campaign staff, and raising millions of dollars from deep-pocketed mega donors, all the while denying that they are even 'testing the waters' of a presidential campaign. But federal campaign finance law is no joke and the candidate contribution limits kick in as soon as a person begins raising and spending money to determine whether they’re going to run for office. Bush, O’Malley, Santorum and Walker appear to be violating federal law."<ref name="com2"/> ===Affiliated Political Organizations=== Bush's campaign infrastructure includes the following groups: ====Right to Rise USA, [[Super PAC]]==== For six months before making his official campaign announcement, Bush personally raised money for Right to Rise USA, a Super PAC which was created for the express purpose of supporting his presidential candidacy.<ref>Paul Blumenthal, [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/09/2016-campaign-finance_n_7757258.html How Presidential Candidates Are Pushing Past Campaign Finance Boundaries This Time], "Huffington Post", July 9, 2015</ref> Many criticized Bush, arguing he had broken election laws which, in the wake of the Citizens United ruling, must not coordinate with groups able to receive unlimited donations for political expenditures. Lawyers for Bush argued that because he had merely stated his intention to "explore" seeking the Republication nomination, instead of declaring himself a candidate, his attendance at Right to Rise USA fundraisers were not violating election laws.<ref>Paul Blumenthal, [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/16/jeb-bush-super-pac_n_6487380.html Jeb Bush's Decision To 'Actively Explore' 2016 Run Allows Him To Avoid Super PAC Rules], "Huffington Post", January 16, 2015.</ref> Before Bush's official announcement in June, 2015, the Super PAC Right to Rise USA had raised $103 million, more than any other single group supporting the other 2016 Republican candidates.<ref name="confessore">Nicholas Confessore, [http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/07/31/familiar-names-gave-big-to-jeb-bush-aligned-super-pac/?_r=0 Familiar Names Gave Big to Jeb Bush-Aligned ‘Super PAC'], "New York Times", July 31, 2015.</ref> Major individual donors include:*Mike Fernandez, a Cuban-American billionaire gave $3 million<ref name = "confessore"/>*Francis Rooney, a former ambassador to the Vatican, gave over $2 million<ref name = "confessore"/>*Helen Schwab, wife of the investor Charles R. Schwab, gave $1.5 million<ref name = "confessore"/>*John Negroponte, former ambassador to Iraq <ref name = "confessore"/>*Former President George W. Bush, gave $95,000 <ref name = "confessore"/>*Former President George H, W. Bush, gavie $125,000 <ref name="confessore"/>*American Pacific International Capital, a San Francisco-based company which has Bush's cousin Neil Bush on the board, gave $1.3 million <ref name = "confessore"/>*Daniel Synder, Washington Redskins owner, gave $100,000 <ref name="thehill">Jonathan Easley, Megan Wilson and Ben Kamisar, [http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/249926-redskins-owner-among-big-donors-to-jeb-bush Redskins owner among the big donors to Jeb Bush super-PAC Familiar Names Gave Big to Jeb Bush-Aligned ‘Super PAC’], "The Hill", July 31, 2015</ref>*T. Boone Pickens, Texas Oil investor, gave $100,000<ref name="thehill"/>*John Huntsman, former Utah governor, gave $100,000<ref name="thehill"/>*William Oberndorf, investor and board member of Foundation for Excellence in Education, gave $1 million<ref name="thehill"/>*John Cushman, former president of National Boy Scouts of America, gave $300,000<ref name="thehill"/>*Brian France, NASCAR executive, gave $50,000<ref name="thehill"/> ====Right to Rise, Leadership PAC==== On January 6, 2015, Bush and his allies created the Leadership PAC, Right to Rise.<ref name="both dubbed">Robert Costa, "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2015/01/06/jeb-bush-forms-new-pac-right-to-rise/ Jeb Bush and his allies form leadership PAC and super PAC, both dubbed Right to Rise]," ''Washington Post'', January 6, 2015.</ref> A Leadership PAC allows a candidate to raise money, hire staff, travel around the country and donate to candidates and other groups that could help facilitate an official run for electoral office.<ref name="leadership">Jeremy Diamond, [http://edition.cnn.com/2015/01/06/politics/jeb-bush-right-to-rise-launch/ Jeb Bush Launches Leadership PAC], "CNN", January 6, 2015.</ref> In a video on his Facebook page, Bush said, "Today we're setting up The Right to Rise PAC, which is a PAC to support candidates who believe in conservative principles to allow all Americans to rise up."<ref name ="leadership"/> ====Right to Rise Policy Solutions, [[501(c)(4)]] nonprofit== Contact details == In February 2015, Bush and his allies established Right to Rise Policy Solutions, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization. The Capitolorganization was registered by former [[Walmart]] CEO Bill Simon.<ref>Ed O'Keefe and Matea Gold, "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/how-secret-donors-could-play-a-big-role-boosting-jeb-bush/2015/03/31/05647310-d7cd-11e4-b3f2-607bd612aeac_story.html How a Bush-allied nonprofit could inject more secret money into ’16 race]," ''Washington Post'', March 31, 2015.</ref><ref>Arkansas Secretary of State, "[http://www.sos.arkansas.gov/corps/search_corps.php?DETAIL=433675&corp_type_id=&corp_name=inc&agent_search=&agent_city=&agent_state=&filing_number=&cmd RIGHT TO RISE POLICY SOLUTIONS, INC. ]," corporation registration, accessed June 2015.</ref> While PACs and Super PACs can receive unlimited amounts of donations, they must disclose the names of donors. However, 501(c)(4) organizations need not disclose the names of donors and can still accepted unlimited amounts of money. It is currently unknown how much Right to Rise Policy Solutions has raised for the Bush campaign.<brref>Paul Blumenthal, [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/09/jeb-bush-super-pac_n_7764760.html Jeb Bush Super PAC Reports Eye-Popping Fundraising Haul], "Huffington Post", July 9, 2015.</ref>Tallahassee==Ties to ALEC and the Movement to Privatize Education=={{About_ALEC}} Bush founded the [[Foundation for Excellence in Education]] (FEE), a school privatization advocacy organization, and its affiliated group [[Chiefs for Change]], which organizes an annual meeting that brings together public officials and the executives of education companies.<ref name="layton fee"/> FEE is a member of the [[American Legislative Exchange Council]], which has heavily promoted "model bills" for school vouchers and other measures to privatize public schools in the United States. ALEC and FEE collaborate on an annual "report card" that grades states' allegiance to their policy agenda rather than academic performance. The two organizations have received funding from many of the same for-profit school corporations and (predominantly right-wing) foundations, including [[K-12]], [[Connections Academy]], [[State Farm Insurance]], [[Intel]], [[Microsoft]], the [[Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation]], the [[Walton Foundation]], the [[Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation]], and the [[Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation]]. Many of the same staff and "experts" have worked for both organizations, and numerous [[ALEC Politicians|ALEC politicians]] have presented at FEE conferences.<ref>Lisa Graves, "[http://www.prwatch.org/news/2012/11/11883/taxpayer-enriched-companies-back-jeb-bushs-foundation-excellence-education-its-bu Taxpayer-Enriched Companies Back Jeb Bush's Foundation for Excellence in Education, its Buddy ALEC, and Their 'Reforms']," Center for Media and Democracy, ''PR Watch'', FLNovember 28, 2012. 32399<br/ref>PhoneFEE is also a member of the [[State Policy Network]] of state-level right-wing "think tanks" that are major drivers of the ALEC agenda in statehouses across the country. While Bush has presented his efforts as directed at improving public schools, especially for minorities and poor communities,<ref name="layton fee">Lyndsey Layton, "[http: 850/488/7146www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/jeb-bush-education-foundation-played-leading-role-in-mixing-politics-policy/2015/01/06/db1db176-903b-11e4-a900-9960214d4cd7_story.html Jeb Bush education foundation played leading role in mixing politics, policy]," ''Washington Post'', January 6, 2015.</ref> FEE and Chiefs for Change have been criticized for influencing state education policy-making to benefit the business interests of their corporate, for-profit funders.<brref name="postal bush foundation"/>FaxIn 2013 the public watchdog group In the Public Interest obtained thousands of emails between FEE staff and education officials in six states which "revealed that FEE and their "Chiefs for Change" affiliate wrote and edited laws, regulations, and executive orders, to increase profit opportunities for the foundation’s financial backers," including [[Pearson Education]] and the virtual charter schools company [[K12]].<ref>"[http: 850//www.inthepublicinterest.org/front-487page-0801news/ Front Page News]," In the Public Interest, January 9, 2015.<br/ref>FEE "forged an unusual role mixing politics and policy — drafting legislation and paying travel expenses for state officials, lobbying lawmakers, and connecting public officials with industry executives seeking government contracts," as described by the ''Washington Post'', and has also helped expand Bush's influence since he left office in 2007.URLView the email records [http: //itpi.i72dev.com/jeb-bush-emails/ here]. Read more about FEE [[Foundation for Excellence in Education|here]]. ===Bush and FEE Staff Had Financial Interests in Education Companies=== Bush's top aide at FEE pushed school officials to use SendHub, a communications service start-up in which Bush had invested, email records obtained by In the Public Interest revealed.<ref name="sendhub fang"/> According to ''The Nation'', the aide, Patricia Levesque, also worked for a lobbying firm that represented education technology companies.<ref>Lee Fang, "[http://www.thenation.com/article/164651/how-online-learning-companies-bought-americas-schools How Online Learning Companies Bought America's Schools]," ''The Nation'', November 16, 2011.</ref> Furthermore, SendHub's founder, Garrett Johnson, had also previously worked for Bush and served as a board member for another education non-profit run by Bush, the Foundation for Florida's Future.<ref name="sendhub fang">Lee Fang, "[http://www.myfloridathenation.com/blog/172551/e-mails-show-jeb-bush-foundation-lobbied-businesses-including-one-tied-bush E-Mails Show Jeb Bush Foundation Lobbied For Businesses, Including One Tied To Bush]," ''The Nation'', January 30, 2013.<br/ref> ===Charter School Founded by Bush Fails, Closes in 2008=== Bush helped found the Liberty City Charter School in Miami in 1996. After ongoing financial problems and low-to-middling test scores, the charter's contract was ended in 2008. Liberty City, which served a largely low-income, minority population, "was the first school of its kind in Florida and a pioneer in a booming industry and national movement," according to the ''New York Times''. Former staff and community members described Bush as actively involved in pushing for Florida's approval of charter schools and in the initial fundraising and founding of the school, whose first years coincided with Bush's second (and first successful) campaign for governor. Bush referred to his work with Liberty City in campaign materials, and cameras were reportedly often present when he visited the school. Emailrecords show that Bush continued corresponding periodically with school staff and was aware of ongoing problems with finances and with the school's landlord. But Bush visited less often after his election and after the school received a D rating on a standardized test that had been a key focus of his campaign.<ref>Jason Horowitz, "[http: //www.nytimes.com/2015/03/08/education/charter-school-hailed-by-jeb-bush-ended-in-ruin.html Charter School in Miami Fails, but Proves Useful on Jeb Bush’s Résumé]," ''The New York Times'', March 8, 2015.</ref> ===Long-Term Results of Bush-Style Reforms Questioned=== Bush has touted Florida's test scores as evidence of the success of his reforms, which included expanding charter schools and voucher programs.Between 1998 and 2007, fourth-grade reading scores increased dramatically, according to ''Reuters''. But scores have dropped since 2009, especially for low-income students, and data show "huge numbers of high school graduates still needing remedial help in math and reading." Critics note that under Bush, the state also limited class sizes and increase per-student spending by 22 percent between 2001 and 2007. Florida's own studies "have found no evidence that low-income students who receive vouchers to attend private schools do any better at reading or math than their peers."<ref>Stephanie Simon, "[http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/27/usa-education-bush-foundation-idUSL1E8MR08N20121127 Jeb Bush, with cash and clout, pushes contentious school reforms]," ''Reuters'', November 27, 2012.</ref> ===Promotion of Other ALEC Policies=== As Governor, Jeb Bush signed into law the "Stand Your Ground" law, promoted by the National Rifle Association and later adopted by the American Legislative Exchange Council as a "model bill" called the Castle Doctrine. The bill was signed into law with the NRA’s lobbyist, Marion Hammer, standing alongside the governor at the signing ceremony on April 26, 2005.<ref>[http://www.alecexposed.org/wiki/File:NRA_lobbyist_watches_Jeb_sign.png NRA Lobbyist Watches Jeb Sign], Photo available via Blogwood 2.0, April 27, 2005.</ref><ref>Lisa Graves, "[http://www.prwatch.org/news/2013/07/12181/after-zimmerman-let%E2%80%99s-end-stand-your-ground After Zimmerman, Let’s End Stand Your Ground]," Center for Media and Democracy, ''PR Watch'', July 17, 2013.</ref> The law faced criticism in the wake of the killing of unarmed Florida teenager Trayvon Martin in 2012. Bush defended the law stating, "stand your ground means stand your ground. It doesn't mean chase after somebody who's turned their back."<ref name="ground">Jessica Washington, [http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/foes-hit-jeb-bushs-record-stand-your-ground-laws-n401351 Foes Hit Jeb Bush's Record on 'Stand Your Ground' Laws], NBC News, July 30, 2015.</ref> He also gave a speech to the NRA in 2015 defending the law, proclaiming that "in Florida, we protected people's rights to protect themselves."<ref name="ground"/> ==Climate Science Denial== Bush has long been considered a denier of climate change and climate science,<ref name="surgey secret retreat"/> despite the overwhelming scientific consensus that the earth is warming and humans play a role.<ref>Gayathri Vaidyanathan, "[http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-determine-the-scientific-consensus-on-global-warming/ How to Determine the Scientific Consensus on Global Warming]," ''Scientific American'', July 24, 2014.</ref> "I'm a skeptic. I'm not a scientist. I think the science has been politicized," Bush told ''Esquire'' in 2009. "I would be very wary of hollowing out our industrial base even further... It may be only partially man-made. It may not be warming by the way. The last six years we’ve actually had mean temperatures that are cooler. I think we need to be very cautious before we dramatically alter who we are as a nation because of it."<ref>Tucker Carlson, "[http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a6027/jeb-bush-interview-0809/ Jeb Bush: The Future of the Republican Party]," interview, ''Esquire'', July 8, 2009.</ref> Two years later he told ''Fox Business'', "I think global warming may be real... It is not unanimous among scientists that it is disproportionately manmade. What I get a little tired of on the left is this idea that somehow science has decided all this so you can’t have a view."<ref>"[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/24/jeb-bush-rick-perry-global-warming_n_935168.html Jeb Bush: Rick Perry 'Has Every Right To Suggest' Global Warming 'Not A Certainty' (VIDEO)]," ''Huffington Post'', August 24, 2011.</ref> In comments made to a party in New Hampshire in 2015, Bush said, "For the people to say the science is decided on this is really arrogant, to be honest with you... It's this intellectual arrogance that now you can't have a conversation about it, even. The climate is changing. We need to adapt to that reality."<ref>Ashley Killough, "[http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/20/politics/jeb-bush-climate-change/index.html Jeb Bush rails against 'intellectual arrogance' in climate change debate]," ''CNN'', May 20, 2015.</ref> ==Ties to the Coal Industry== ===Featured Speaker at Closed-Door Weekend Retreat with Coal Execs (2015)=== Bush was the highest profile speaker at the June 2015 Coal & Investment Leadership Forum, an invitation-only three-day retreat in Bristol, Virginia hosted by the CEOs of six coal companies, according to materials for the event obtained by the Center for Media and Democracy (CMD) and reported on by ''The Guardian''.<ref name="surgey secret retreat">Nick Surgey, "[http://www.prwatch.org/news/2015/06/12845/Jeb-Bush-Speaking-at-Secret-Coal-Industry-Retreat Jeb Bush Addressed Secret Coal Industry Retreat]," Center for Media and Democracy, ''PR Watch'', June 1, 2015.</ref> Bush was invited to speak by six owners and executives of major coal companies, including Joe Craft III of [[Alliance Resource Partners]], Kevin Crutchfield of [[Alpha Natural Resources]], Nick DeIuliis of [[Consol Energy]], Garry Drummond of [[Drummond Company]], John Eaves of [[Arch Coa]]l, and Jim McGlothlin of [[United Coal Company]].<ref name="bush coal barons">Suzanne Goldenburg, "[http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/may/29/jeb-bush-closed-door-meeting-coal-industry-barons Jeb Bush cozies up to coal industry barons at closed-door meeting]," ''The Guardian'', May 29, 2015.</ref> The event was held at the Olde Farm, a private country club known for its annual golf tournament in which players take sides in the Civil War for the South or the Union and which is described by McGlothlin as "our most cherished tradition."<ref name="surgey secret retreat"/> Attendees paid at least $7,500 to take part, not including lodging.<ref name="bush coal barons"/> According to ''The Guardian''::McGlothlin, founder of the United Coal Company and owner of the Olde Farm, said Bush would meet a variety of energy executives. :“Attendees are from across the board from the energy sector including not only coal industry executives but also some from oil and gas industry, manufacturers and supplies of the energy sector generally as well as leaders of the banking and financial industry that follow and impact the sector,” he said in an email.<ref name="bush coal barons"/> An invitation to the retreat noted that "significant time will also be available for golf, fly fishing, one-on-one meetings and small VIP discussion groups, which is the hallmark of this conference."<ref name="bush coal barons"/> Other speakers included [[Chris Horner]] of the [[Competive Enterprise Institute]] and the [[American Tradition Institute]] and Bill Johnson, president of the [[Tennessee Valley Authority]]. [[Murray Energy]] CEO Robert Murray was also expected to attend.<ref name="surgey secret retreat"/> Bush had not yet explicitly declared his candidacy for president and did not disclose any fundraising that may have been done or what he spoke about with the coal interests and possible campaign donors at the retreat.:"It is a great opportunity to meet with stakeholders in the state," Kristy Campbell, a spokeswoman for Bush, said. "He will be talking about a variety of topics."<ref name="bush coal barons"/> ==Other Controversies== ===Lawsuits against Companies on which Bush Served on the Board of Directors=== ====Innovida==== Bush held a $15,000-a-month consulting contract and served as a board member for Innvoida, a Miami-based building materials manufacturer, from 2007-2010, reportedly earning $468,901 over the period. The company obtained a $10 million federal loan in 2010 to construct buildings in Haiti, but according to a federal indictment, Innovida's president, Claudio Osorio, stole millions from the loan as well as from investors. An SEC complaint argued he "had recruited Bush and other high-profile figures to lend 'an air of legitimacy' to InnoVida and help him raise money," as described by the ''L.A. Times''. Osorio was sentenced to 12 1/2 years in prison after pleading guilty to fraud. Bush reportedly gave assistance to investigators and agreed to make a $270,000 payment as part of the company's bankruptcy settlement.<ref name="la bush eases"/> ====Rayonier==== While Bush served as Governor of Florida from 1999 until 2007, the state gave over $100 million to Rayonier, a Florida-based development and timber company, in exchange for logging rights and property.<ref name = "perez">Andrew Perez, [http://www.ibtimes.com/florida-governor-jeb-bush-bought-land-timber-company-later-paid-him-1-million-1974360 As Florida Governor, Jeb Bush Bought Land From Timber Company That Later Paid Him $1 Million], "International Business Times", June 19, 2015.</ref> Upon his departure from the state house in 2008 until December 2014, Bush served on the board of Rayonier, Inc., receiving more than $1 million in compensation.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/02/us-rayonier-moves-johnbush-idUSKBN0K71BN20150102 Jeb Bush resigns from Rayonier's board], "Reuters", January 2, 2015.</ref> Bush helped the company secure numerous tax breaks, steered public infrustucture projects to areas that would be beneficial to Rayonier developments and used his political connections to advocate against "anti-development groups" such as preservationists and environmentalists.<ref name = "perez"/> Shortly before Bush's December 2014 departure from the board, Rayonier was sued in a number of lawsuits. One lawsuit filed by Altamaha Riverkeeper Inc., a Georgia environmental nonprofit, alleges that a Rayonier plan in Georgia violated the Clean Water Act for discharging effluent into a river that is home to many endangered species. The Rayonier plant had responded to complaints about the plant in 2008 and pledged new anti-pollution measures, but the complaint states that the plant is an "ongoing environmental calamity" and accused Rayonier of discharging over 50 million gallons daily of "highly discolored, inescapably foul-smelling effluent."<ref name = "ap">[http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/03/18/business/ap-us-gop-2016-bush-lawsuits-expanded.html Bush Served on Board of Florida Timber Firm Facing Lawsuits], "The Associated Press", March 18, 2015.</ref> On April 1, 2015, the cased was dismissed on summary judgement by the U.S. District Court for the Southern Division of Georgia.<ref>[http://greenlaw.org/news/press-releases/court-dismissed-clean-water-act-case-against-rayonier.html Court Dismisses Clean Water Act Case Against Rayonier; Conservation Groups Urge State to Enforce Water Quality Standards, Stop Pollution of Altamaha River], "Green Law", April 1, 2015.</ref> Rayonier was also sued in four separate lawsuits brought by the company's investors. All of the lawsuits allege that the company inflated their inventory and income on their 2014 financial statements. The lawsuits came after the company itself admitted to the SEC that it had made mistakes on the statements.<ref>Richard Webner, [http://jacksonville.com/business/2014-11-20/story/it-took-only-days-after-rayoniers-admission-shareholder-attorneys-file It took only days after Rayonier's admission for shareholder attorneys to file class-action suits], "The Florida Times-Union", November 20, 2014.</ref> While Bush is not named as a defendant in any Rayonier-related lawsuits, his service as a board member means he may be called to testify.<ref name = "ap"/> ===Company in Bush-Brokered Nigeria Deal Defrauded U.S. Government=== Bush visited Nigeria in 1989 to promote a deal between the Nigerian government and MWI Corp., a manufacturer of industrial water pumps. As ''Mother Jones'' has reported, later allegations that "the transaction had been greased through massive bribes to Nigerian officials paid for by American taxpayer money loaned through the US Export-Import Bank" led to a federal criminal investigation and civil litigation. The final result was a 2013 finding by a federal jury that MWI "had defrauded the federal government of millions of dollars," though the judge ruled that MWI did not have to pay damages.<ref name="dear sirs">Stephanie Mencimer, "[http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/06/jeb-bush-david-eller-mwi-bush-el-nigeria Dear Sirs, I Am the Son of US President George H.W. Bush and I Have a Business Proposition for You]," ''Mother Jones'', June 11, 2015.</ref> (Though prosecutors tried to call him as a witness, Bush himself never faced criminal charges and has maintained that he did not know of the bribery and did not personally profit from the deal.)<ref name="fast success">Andres Viglucci and Alfonso Chardy, "[http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/elections-2016/jeb-bush/article23679718.html From the Herald archives: Bush and business: Fast success, brushes with mystery]," ''Miami Herald'', October 6, 2002. Republished 2015.</ref> ====Bush Personally Met with Nigerian Dictator to Promote MWI==== Since the mid-1980s, MWI had been selling its products to Nigeria with the help of the Ex-Im Bank, which provided financing to the Nigerian government to buy U.S. goods. At that time, ''Mother Jones'' describes, "Nigeria's military leaders were borrowing extensively from the West to finance dubious projects, many of which never materialized. The money often disappeared thanks to Nigeria's institutionalized corruption."<ref name="dear sirs"/> A military coup in 1985 brought Ibrahim Babangida to power, but declining oil prices meant Nigeria could pay little on existing debt and most other countries stopped providing loans; however, the U.S. Ex-Im Bank continued financing deals, including $87 million in deals for MWI to sell the Nigerian government equipment that reportedly went largely unused due to a lack of necessary infrastructure.<ref name="dear sirs"/> The Justice Department later noted that "The fact that MWI was able to obtain Ex-Im Bank financing at all is surprising given the Nigerian Federal Government's traditionally poor credit history."<ref name="dear sirs"/> MWI CEO David Eller, a prominent Republican supporter in Florida, had become acquainted with Bush through political circles. In 1989 the two formed a partnership, a separate company called Bush-El, that marketed MWI's products, earning a 3 percent commission on sales.<ref>Bush-El Trading Corporation, "[http://www.motherjones.com/documents/2095824-boardroom-doc Stockholder's Meeting Agenda]," July 23, 1990. Document obtained by ''Mother Jones''.</ref> Eller touted his connection to Bush in his sales efforts in Nigeria, while Bush promoted MWI in a meeting with Babangida on his 1989 trip, according to promotional videos and State Department records obtained by ''Mother Jones''. Bush made a return trip in 1991, then in 1992 $74.3 million in loans were authorized by the Ex-Im Bank for a deal costing $82 million.<ref name="dear sirs"/> Questionable aspects of the deal came to light after a former MWI executive filed a whistleblower lawsuit with the federal government in 1998, which "alleged that MWI had defrauded the Ex-Im Bank by hiding millions in unusual payments to a longtime MWI rep in Nigeria named Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, and it accused Indimi of using Ex-Im loan money to bribe Nigerian officials."<ref name="dear sirs"/> Evidence used in the trail shows that in the 1990s MWI had "routinely" paid thousands per month for Indimi's household and credit card expenses and even shipped him luxury cars, apparently on top of a "commission" of $28 million for helping with the deal, some of which prosecutors argue was used for bribes.<ref name="dear sirs"/> Bush had praised Indimi and reportedly traveled in private jets with him on trips in Nigeria, but disclaims any knowledge of bribery.<ref name="fast success"/> ===Opposition to Bush's Coastline Development Plans=== A citizens' group called the Panhandle Citizens Coalition criticized a Bush-backed plan for massive development on timberland in the Florida Panhandle in the early 2000s. The St. Joe Company, at the time the largest private landowner in the state, was pushing for the project, according to the ''Florida Times-Union''.<ref>Bill Kaczor, "[http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/apnews/stories/050303/D7QPT6R01.html Massive development plan fuels Panhandle airport dispute]," May 3, 2003.</ref> ==Biographical Information== Born February 11, 1953, in Midland, Texas, Jeb Bush is a son of former President [[George Herbert Walker Bush]] and brother of former President [[George Walker Bush]].<ref name="florida bio"/> While the Bushes are perhaps best known for their close ties to the oil industry, the family's fortune is also rooted in banking, finance, and wartime industries. Businesses and organizations with historical ties to the Bushes include the [[U.S. Chamber of Commerce]], [[Merrill Lynch]], [[W.A. Harriman & Co.]], [[Union Banking Corp.]], [[Bush-Overby Oil Development Company]] (later became [[Pennzoil]]), Dresser Industries (later merged with [[Halliburton]]), [[Arbusto Energy]]/[[Harken Energy]], and the [[Carlyle Group]].<ref>Lucas Kawa, "[http://www.businessinsider.com/the-bushes--a-wall-street-dynasty-2012-11?op=1 Why The Bush Dynasty Is America's First Family Of Finance]," ''Business Insider'', November 27, 2012.</ref> Prior to being elected governor, Bush worked in real estate, served as chair of the Dade County Republican Party, and served as head of the Florida Department of Commerce.<ref name="florida bio"/> Bush's first campaign for governor of Florida in 1994 was unsuccessful. He was elected governor in 1998 and served two terms.<ref name="florida bio"/> Bush is married to Columba Garnica Gallo, who is originally from Mexico; they have three children.<ref name="florida bio"/> ==Affiliations== Bush had resigned from all private-sector and non-profit organizations in order to explore a possible presidential run, a Bush aide told the ''Washington Post'' in December 2014.<ref name="bush severs ties">Tom Hamburger and Lyndsey Layton, "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/with-eye-on-2016-jeb-bush-severs-ties-to-most-firms/2014/12/31/938b3662-9054-11e4-a900-9960214d4cd7_story.html With eye on 2016, Jeb Bush resigns from all boards]," ''The Washington Post'', December 31, 2014.</ref> His affiliations over his career have included: * [[Academic Partnerships]] (for-profit education company), Paid Adviser<ref name="bush quits all">Nahal Toosi, "[http://www.politico.com/story/2014/12/jeb-bush-quits-all-private-sector-non-profit-boards-113914.html Jeb Bush quits all private-sector, nonprofit boards]," ''Politico'', December 31, 2014.</ref>* [[American Action Forum]], Board Member<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140930085338/http://americanactionforum.org/about/overview About], American Action Forum, accessed for archive September 30, 2014; previously accessed for Sourcewatch December 23, 2011. Archived by Internet Wayback Machine, accessed June 12, 2015.</ref>* [[Barclays]], Paid Adviser<ref name="leaves barclays">Kendall Breitman and James Hohmann, "[http://www.politico.com/story/2014/12/jeb-bush-barclays-113670.html Jeb Bush quitting Barclays]," ''Politico'', December 18, 2014.</ref>* [[Chiefs for Change]], Founder* [[Foundation for Excellence in Education]], Founder* [[George W. Bush Institute]], Advisory Board<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100322201003/http://georgewbushinstitute.com/george-w-bush-institute-board-of-advisors Advisory Board], George W. Bush Institute, accessed March 22, 2010. Archived by Internet Wayback Machine, accessed June 12, 2015.</ref>* InnoVida (building materials manufacturer), Board Member (2007-2010)<ref name="la bush eases"/>* [[Lehman Brothers]], Adviser (2007-2008)<ref name="la bush eases">Joseph Tanfani, "[http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-jeb-bush-money-20141225-story.html#page=1 Jeb Bush eases out of some businesses, such as firm helped by Obamacare]," ''L.A. Times'', December 25, 2014.</ref>* Maghicle Driverless (self-driving vehicle company), Partner<ref name="la bush eases"/>* [[Project for a New American Century]], Original Signatory<ref>Michael Crowley, "[http://www.politico.com/story/2015/01/jeb-bush-george-w-bush-iraq-war-113942.html Jeb Bush's burden]," ''Politico'', January 5, 2015.</ref>* Rayonier Inc. (REIT), Board Member<ref name="bush quits all"/>* Tenet Healthcare Corp., Board Member<ref name="bush quits all"/>* Washington Speakers Bureau, Paid Speaker<ref name="leaves barclays"/> As of December 2014, Bush was reportedly "reviewing other businesses in which he is principal partner or owner," including the consulting firm Jeb Bush & Associates and the business advisory company Britton Hill Partnership, according to the ''Washington Post''.<ref name="bush severs ties"/> == Contact == Twitter: @myfloridaJebBush<br>Facebook: www.facebook.com/jebbush<br>Websites: www.righttorisepac.com, www.jebemails.com <br>
== Related SourceWatch Resources ==
*Brent Kallestad, [http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FLORIDA_POLL?SITE=1010WINS&SECTION=POLITICS&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2005-06-30-20-12-23 "Gov. Bush Criticized for Schiavo Probe,"] Associated Press, July 1, 2005: "The poll also showed that 70 percent of respondents, including a majority of Republicans with an opinion, say Bush shouldn't run for president in 2008."
*Mary Ellen Klas and Beth Reinhard, [http://www.sunherald.com/mld/miamiherald/news/state/14520606.htm?source=rss&channel=miamiherald_state "Defeats signal twilight of Jeb Bush era. The governor's numerous defeats last week heralded the transition by Florida Republicans to the 'post-Jeb' era,"] ''Miami Herald'', May 7, 2006.
*[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/05/01/national/main2746327.shtml "New Orleans Pump Contract Investigated. Army Corps Copied Pump Maker's Specs In Bid, Gave $32M Contract To Politically Linked Company,"] Associated Press (CBS News), May 1, 2007. re [[Hurricane Katrina: Profiteering]]
*''In the Public Interest'', [http://www.inthepublicinterest.org/blog/jeb-bushs-education-nonprofit-really-about-corporate-profits?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+itpi-blog+%28ITPI+Commentary+Feed%29 Jeb Bushes Education Nonprofit and Corporate Profits], January 30, 2013.
