Elections

Bush’s family ties a potential problem, new poll finds

By David Lightman - McClatchy Washington Bureau

April 24, 2015 09:10 AM

President George Bush (left) and brother Gov. Jeb Bush acknowledge cheering supporters at a fundraiser for the Republican Party of Florida at the Contemporary Resort at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, February 17, 2006.
President George Bush (left) and brother Gov. Jeb Bush acknowledge cheering supporters at a fundraiser for the Republican Party of Florida at the Contemporary Resort at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, February 17, 2006. MCT
President George Bush (left) and brother Gov. Jeb Bush acknowledge cheering supporters at a fundraiser for the Republican Party of Florida at the Contemporary Resort at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, February 17, 2006. MCT

Jeb Bush’s last name is a problem as he considers a run for president, according to a new Fox News poll.

By a 58-34 margin, voters in the April 19-21 survey said being related to former presidents is a disadvantage for the former Florida governor. Bush is the son and brother of previous presidents.

Bush has other concerns. The poll is the second released in two days to show Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., jumping to the top of the Republican presidential pack. There’s still no clear front-runner, but Rubio has shown some momentum. He led a Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday.

“Announcing your candidacy helps your poll numbers,” said a poll analysis. Rubio announced last week, and got a bump. He now has 13 percent support, putting him slightly ahead of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Bush, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas.

Even among specific Republican-leaning groups, there’s no clear favorite. Huckabee leadsd among evangelical Christians with 13 percent. Next are Huckabee and Paul, each with 11 percent, and Cruz and Rubio, each with 10 percent.

Walker has a clearer lead among Tea Party loyalists, with 19 percent.Next is Rubio at 14 percent and Paul at 13 percent.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton remains far ahead among Democrats. And 52 percent think being related to a former president is an advantage.

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