In his speech at the historic Amana Colonies showcase farm near Cedar Rapids, Mr. Bush mixed a number of old themes familiar to Texas voters with a few new specifics for the presidential race. He gave no highlights of his life story, instead focusing on what he called his accomplishments in Texas, including lower taxes, welfare reform and curbs on lawsuits against business. And, sketching priorities of his presidential bid, he promised to reduce federal income tax rates but didn't say by how much. He wants to allow people to invest part of their Social Security contributions in private accounts but gave no details. He also pledged to restore morality to public life.
Some people think it's inappropriate to draw a moral line.
Straw-poll plans Mr. Bush said for the first time Saturday that he will compete in the August straw poll in Ames, Iowa, a traditional test of early political strength. The state will host the first nominating caucuses in February. And I know I'm late. But now that the Texas legislative session is over, I'm taking my front-porch campaign to every front porch in this state. After visiting Iowa, his three-day inaugural campaign tour takes him to Maine and New Hampshire.