Bush: Jeb Won't Be Part of Cabinet

By TOM RAUM, Associated Press Writer

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - George W. Bush said Tuesday that he would reach out to Democrats and Republicans alike and work to heal the nation's partisan wounds if declared the presidential winner.

But one person who won't be offered a Cabinet job, Bush said in an interview on CBS's "60 Minutes II," is younger brother Jeb, the GOP governor of Florida. "No," Bush replied when asked by correspondent Scott Pelley if there was a Cabinet role for his brother.

"He needs to be in Florida doing the job of governor," Bush said, adding, "He'll be happy to hear his name mentioned on national TV."

Bush, who taped the interview earlier in the day in the living room of the governor's mansion, decorated for Christmas, smiled frequently and appeared relaxed during the session.

In the interview, the Republican's first extended one since the election, Bush said that if he becomes president he would push for many of the same proposals he campaigned on - overhaul of Social Security and Medicare, a prescription drug benefit for seniors, education improvements, strengthening the military and a large tax cut.

Though Democrats ridiculed his proposal to cut taxes by $1.3 trillion over 10 years as favoring the wealthy, Bush said, "I think there's some common ground there."

He said signs the economy is slowing may make it easier to sell such a tax cut to Congress. "One of the reasons I fought so strongly for tax relief was to serve as an insurance policy against a potential downturn."

Evidence of a slowdown "makes my tax plan even more compelling."

Bush praised Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, first appointed by Ronald Reagan and reappointed by Presidents Bush and Clinton, calling him "a very steady and positive influence for the economy."

But the Texas governor declined to say whether he would reappoint Greenspan to yet another term as chairman if he becomes president.

"Well, that's down the road. And it's going to be up to Alan Greenspan, I suspect, as to whether or not he even wants to be considered," Bush said.

On the election standoff, Bush said he hoped that he and Al Gore could "work to heal whatever wounds may exist" once a winner is declared.

He reiterated his belief that he and running mate Dick Cheney will prevail but added, "I wish the election weren't quite as close. I wish it were easier for people to see the results."

The Texas governor said he does not view Gore as a sore loser despite the Democrat's legal challenges to Bush's certified 537-vote victory in Florida that, if it stands, would make him the winner of the White House.

"We both put our heart and soul into the campaign. ... I think he's doing what he thinks is right," Bush said.

Asked if Cheney's active work in overseeing transition planning might lead anyone to be confused about who was in charge, Bush said, "No, they shouldn't be." Bush said he's ready to name a Cabinet, but declined to reveal any of his choices.

-- Dr. Pibb (dr.pibb@zdnetonebox.com), December 06, 2000