Bush campaigns in El Paso for land commissioner

Earlier this week ABC-7 profiled former El Paso Mayor John Cook, who is traveling the state campaigning for Texas Land Commissioner.

On Wednesday, his opponent, George P. Bush, was in El Paso campaigning at an event hosted by UTEP’s College Republicans.

ABC-7 spoke with Bush in an exclusive one-on-one interview.

“You could say it’s in the Bush family genes to serve others,” said George P. Bush, who is the nephew of former President George W. Bush and grandson of former President George H. W. Bush. “Some of my earliest memories as a kid growing up have been involved in public service, whether it’s for my grandfather or my uncle.

ABC-7 found a picture of George P. leading the pledge of allegiance at the 1988 Republican National Convention. His uncle’s adviser once called George P. “47,” as in the 47th President of the United States. So ABC-7 asked him if there is any possibility of that.

“Well, theoretically I guess there’s always any kind of possibility,” he said. “But really my focus right now is on winning this race.”

The next Bush for President could very well be his dad, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

“He’s giving it some thought,” George P. said. “I think that I, along with a lot of other republicans, think that he could offer so much not only to our party to unify it, but to our country.”

His opponent for land commissioner, El Pasoan John Cook, has logged more than 30,000 miles campaigning and singing. And while he realizes beating a Bush is a longshot, his tune is to not back down.

“I don’t have the musical talents,” George P. said. “Maybe that’s why members of the Bush family stick to politics. I’m running like I’m 10 points down and that’s why I’m in El Paso.”

George P. said his Dad, his Uncle and his Grandfather have given him a lot of campaign advice.

“The consistent one is to out hustle your opponent,” he said. “I’ve been campaigning for 23 months and traveled to over 180 countries. I think through hard work and through that diligence and that focus it tends to lead to good things. And it’s led us to this point where we feel like we’re in good position to win this race.”

The Commissioner of the Texas General Land office manages billions in state assets, investments and mineral rights. Early voting starts Monday and election day is Nov. 4.