AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – George P. Bush’s new job as Texas land commissioner has nothing to do with abortion, and the position lacks any authority to funnel public dollars to private schools.
But after barely 30 days in office, he has already headlined high-profile rallies on both issues. The 38-year-old has a surname far better known than the obscure office he’s settling into, which administers Texas’ vast public lands and mineral rights.
He insists he’s not yet eying any moves up Texas’ political ladder. But the newest Bush in politics has wasted no time becoming a leading voice for conservative causes.
He’s seizing the spotlight in a state already full of powerful Republicans. And he’s doing it as his father, Jeb, gears up for a possible presidential run in 2016.