New York Times: Jeb Bush's business dealings could cause problems in campaign

NEW YORK, April 21 (UPI) -- Some of Jeb Bush's business activities since he left office as Florida governor in 2007 could cause him problems in a presidential campaign, the New York Times reports.

In a front-page story Monday, the Times detailed Bush's activities as an adviser to Lehman Brothers while the bank was sliding into bankruptcy in 2008 and as a board member for InnoVida, a Miami building materials company whose founder was jailed for defrauding investors. Bush has been named as a defendant in lawsuits filed by shareholders in Swisher Hygiene, where he also served on the board.

Even one of the more solid companies on Bush's resume, Tenet Health Care, could hurt him in Republican presidential primaries. The hospital owner has strongly supported the Affordable Care Act and encouraged U.S. residents to sign up for insurance plans through healthcare exchanges.

Bush has not yet said whether he plans to run for the Republican nomination in 2016, although some of his recent activities suggest he is considering it. If he does, it would mean giving up a lot of money.

Barclays Bank, which took over Lehman Brothers, pays Bush $1 million a year as an adviser, the Times said. He makes $50,000 a pop for many of his corporate speeches and has made more than $3 million from his corporate directorships, some of the mone in the form of stock grants.

“Jeb Bush had a successful career in commercial real estate and business before serving as Florida’s governor," a spokeswoman, Kristy Campbell, said. "After eight rewarding years in public service leading the state, he is enjoying running his own business again.”