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Bush visits Romney in Utah to discuss 2016 plans

 
Published Jan. 23, 2015

WASHINGTON — Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush flew to Utah on Thursday to visit with 2012 nominee Mitt Romney, bringing together two of the Republican Party's top potential presidential candidates for a private meeting to discuss their plans.

Kristy Campbell, a Bush adviser, said the huddle had been planned for weeks — before Romney declared an interest in trying to run for the White House again in 2016.

"This meeting has been on the books for some time," Campbell wrote in an email before the meeting with Romney.

Aides to both former governors declined to provide details on the substance of their talks.

Also on Thursday, Bush tapped former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to serve as chairwoman of his education foundation, turning over the organization to the former diplomat who remains popular with the GOP.

"I cannot overstate Dr. Rice's international and national accomplishments and the vast intellect and bold vision she brings to our ambitious work in reform," Bush said in a letter to foundation staff.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.