Rep. Dave Maturen backs Jeb Bush

Republican presidential Jeb Bush says Barack Obama is “an American” and “a Christian”, and is calling for a new era of civility in national politics that can allow his party to compete in Michigan.

Coming off a strong debate performance Wednesday, Bush said in a statement that he’s “in this race for the long haul, and Michigan is a key part of that strategy”. “His problem is that he’s a progressive liberal who tears down anybody that disagrees with him”.

Bush was the first speaker at the conference, and his speech stressed the need for conservatives to push their ideas and broaden their support.

Five more Republican presidential candidates are to speak at the conference on Saturday. Rand Paul (Ky.) will address the crowd.

Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush touted his record as governor of Florida in a Friday night speech to the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference and called for a smaller government, a simplified tax code and a return to civility in public life. (Bush chose to get here by ferry.) The confab is held at a luxurious hotel offering sweeping lake views.

Maturen, R-Vicksburg, was announced Thursday by Bush’s campaign office as more than 200 state leaders and residents to back the candidate.

Kyle Robertson, who previous year ran Snyder’s successful re-election campaign, will be executive director of Relentless Positive Action PAC, according to a news release.