Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush on Tuesday took his most definitive step yet toward running for president, announcing plans to 'actively explore' a campaign and form a new political operation allowing him to raise money for like-minded Republicans. In a holiday message posted on Bush's Facebook page and Twitter account, the son and brother of past Republican presidents said he discussed the 'future of our nation' and a potential bid for the White House with members of his family over the Thanksgiving holiday. 'As a result of these conversations and thoughtful consideration of the kind of strong leadership I think America needs, I have decided to actively explore the possibility of running for president of the United States,' Bush wrote.
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Former Florida governor is brother of former President George W. Bush and son of former President George H.W. Bush
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Announcement came Tuesday morning on Facebook and Twitter
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Run could be hampered by fears of a third Bush in a presidential 'dynasty'
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Conservatives object to his stance on immigration, which closely mirrors President Obama's
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Told college grads on Monday not to be bound to career choices based on what their parents chose to do
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Bush's announcement is also sure to reverberate throughout @placeholder politics and begin to help sort out a field that includes more than a dozen potential candidates, none of whom have formally announced plans to mount a campaign.