Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush's announcement that he won't run for the U.S. Senate in 2010 is yesterday's news now, but it's encouraging that his public statement focuses on education:
For me, there is no greater calling than education reform. Securing our nation's economic future starts with providing a world-class education to every single American student - building a system that lessens our populace's dependence on government. Through the Foundation for Florida's Future and Foundation for Excellence in Education, I remain committed to advancing policies key to a reform agenda, including higher academic standards, greater accountability for learning and more educational choices for all families.
One of my cynical friends says Bush either has poll numbers showing he'd lose, or he's running for president in 2012. I like to think he could have a greater impact as a leading (conservative) voice for education reform outside of the Senate, especially given the need for a little more realism and humility in Washington these days.