More Conservative Choices in 2008

Jeb Bush for Mitt Romney? Some who have worked for him are on board for his fellow Gov. Romney. And Jeb hasn't ruled out the Veep spot:

Republicans pondering a political shift to the middle after their losses in midterm elections might consider the example of Florida Gov. Jeb Bush before setting their course.

Mr. Bush, who is stepping down this month because of term limits after eight years in office, has a track record as one of the nation's most socially and economically conservative politicians, yet he enjoys a nearly 65% approval rating in a state where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans. His brand of conservatism -- a mix of conservative political stands and activist governance -- has paid off for him in a way it hasn't for his brother in the White House.

His public support in a key swing state, his recent launch of a political advocacy group and the departure of two of his high-level aides to join the possible presidential campaign of another conservative governor suggest Mr. Bush will exert substantial influence over his party in the 2008 election and beyond.

Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas, most recently in the headlines taking an AIDS test with Obama at a conference on AIDS at a California evangelical church, has announced his campaign for president.