By THOMAS BEAUMONT
Associated Press
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush capped his first weekend politicking in early-voting Iowa by previewing what he said would be an upbeat campaign should he continue toward his all-but-declared candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination.
“My hope is I will run a campaign, if I get there, that will be hopeful an optimistic,” Bush told about 200 people packed into the back room of a popular pizza restaurant.
Not yet a formal candidate, Bush acted like one during the two days he spent in Iowa, his first trip to the leadoff presidential caucus state since becoming a 2016 prospect.
Bush joined eight other potential GOP candidates at an agricultural policy forum on Saturday, saying he would support allowing millions of immigrants in the U.S. illegally to stay, under certain conditions. That put him out of step with a good share of Republicans nationally as well as in the emerging field of candidates.
Bush spoke at a congressional fundraiser Friday night, met with state GOP officials and potential supporters in the Des Moines area Saturday, and then traveled to Cedar Rapids.
“I’ll be back here a lot and I’ll be asking for your support,” he said.
Bush is scheduled to travel next weekend to New Hampshire, home of the first presidential primary of 2016, and later in the month to South Carolina, which holds the second primary.
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