One year ago Jeb Bush was the odds on favorite to win the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. But Donald Trump has taken that role away from Bush and yesterday the New York billionaire won the South Carolina big.
So, last night Bush faced the bright lights standing on the stage in Columbia, South Carolina and suspended his 2016 GOP Presidential campaign. Instead of talking about an upset win or a strong second place finish he was mired in fourth place after brining in his brother George and his mother Barbara in to campaign for him, it simply wasn’t enough.
Despite spending more money than any other candidate, the former governor of Florida, was unable to finish in the top three spots in either, Iowa, New Hampshire or yesterday’s South Carolina primary.
The end of the Bush family dynasty came as anti establishment candidate Trump won big yesterday, a virtual second place tie between Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, sealed the fate of Bush.
“Today I am suspending my campaign,” an emotional Bush told his supporters as he fought back tears. “The people from Iowa, South Carolina and New Hampshire have spoken, and I really respect their decision,” the former governor said, in reference to his poor performance in the three states that have already held their presidential primaries and caucuses. “I’ve got an incredible life and for me, public service has been the highlight of this life,” he added.
We now see if Bush throws his support behind his long time protégé Rubio and if that support will put their money on the line for the junior senator from Florida. So, in a state that has been good to the Bush family as both his dad George H.W. and brother George both won big in the state on their way to the the GOP presidential nomination.
But for Jeb, South Carolina was the final ending to a long and often bitter campaign.