Former President George W. Bush will hit the campaign trail for the first time in years when he appears at a South Carolina campaign rally with his younger brother next week, Jeb Bush’s campaign announced.
The 43rd President is considered popular among Republican voters in the state, especially with the high percentage of active duty military and veterans there. The Bush campaign hopes that will help build grassroots support with the Republican primary five days later.
“President Bush has been incredibly supportive of his brother’s campaign and Governor Bush is excited to have him out on the trail,” the campaign said in a statement announcing the rally, which will be held Monday evening in North Charleston.
Bush has avoided public campaign appearances since leaving office in 2009.
He cut a radio ad for his younger brother that started airing in South Carolina on Wednesday.
“Jeb has dealt with crises as the governor of Florida, and he did so with steadiness and a calmness in a good leader,” he said.
He has also taped a TV commercial for the super PAC supporting Jeb, Right to Rise.
“I know Jeb. I know his good heart and his strong backbone…Jeb will unite our country. He knows how to bring the world together against terror. He knows when tough measures must be taken.”
South Carolina was a good state for both George W. Bush and his father, former President George H.W. Bush. Both won the Palmetto State’s Republican primary in the years they first captured the White House.
But there are potential downsides to the joint appearance. Jeb could again be confronted with questions about possible areas where and his brother may disagree.