Jeb Bush says no to 2012 run Andy Barr July 27, 2010 12:31 PM EDT

Former Florida GOP Gov. Jeb Bush said Tuesday that he is “not running” for president in 2012.

In a wide-open presidential primary field, Bush’s name has been floated as one of the few potential Republicans who might be able to attract voters beyond the typical GOP ranks. Proponents of a Bush run frequently note his moderate stance on immigration as well as his advocacy for education reform as chief selling points.

Bush had provided fuel to the speculation by recently taking a more active role in current campaigns, endorsing New York GOP House candidate Chris Cox and attending a fundraiser for Kentucky Republican Senate nominee Rand Paul.

But asked Tuesday by Louisville’s ABC affiliate WHAS following an event with Paul whether he was eyeing a challenge to President Barack Obama, Bush responded flatly: “I am not running for president.”

Bush, the son of former President George H.W. Bush and brother of former President George W. Bush, had  weighed a run in this year's Senate race but decided against it.

During his appearance with Paul, Bush repeatedly hit on education reform, his pet issue. “If kids aren't learning, the fault is with the adults not the students,” Bush said, according to WHAS. “All kids can learn. Period.”