Elder Bush Says Son Jeb Qualified For Presidency

January 5, 2009 7:50 a.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - Former George H.W. Bush on Sunday said he would like to see another son, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, serve in the White House.

In an interview on "FOX News Sunday," the 41st president said Jeb would make an "outstanding" senator if his son ran for the seat of retiring Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL). Bush then said, "I'd like to see him run. I'd like to see him be president some day."

"Right now is probably a bad time, because we've got enough Bushes in there," he added before saying his son is "as qualified and as able as anyone I know in the political scene."

"It's about service, service to the greatest country on the face of the earth, and the honor that goes with it, but not just to be president, to be something, but to earn it and to do something that makes you worthy," the elder Bush also said. "I think Jeb fits that description."

Martinez, who served as Housing and Urban Development secretary under President George W. Bush, announced last month that he will not seek reelection in 2010. The President had, in response to the announcement, praised the senator for a "distinguished career," then later pushed the idea that his brother should run for Martinez's seat.

Jeb Bush, the 55-year old younger brother of the 43rd President, was limited by Florida's term-limits law to run for a third term as governor after he left office January last year. He is reportedly considering running for Martinez's seat.