Jeb Bush 'actively exploring' run for president in 2016

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Could a third President Bush be on the way?

On Tuesday, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush announced his plans to "actively explore the possibility of running for" president in 2016.

In a Facebook message that opened with Christmas and Hanukkah greetings, the son and brother of Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush said he had come to the decision after "thoughtful consideration of the kind of strong leadership I think America needs."

The announcement is not an official formation of an exploratory committee, but rather the formation of a leadership political action committee.

The PAC, he said, will "help me facilitate conversations with citizens across America to discuss the most critical challenges facing our exceptional nation."

Bush's declaration came on the heels of an announcement he would release 250,000 emails from his two terms as governor, from 1999 to 2006.

"Part of serving or running... is transparency," he said.

In a McClatchy-Marist poll conducted from Dec. 3 to Dec. 9, Bush leads the Republican presidential field with 14.5 percent, followed by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie with 10.5 percent.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee was in third with 10.3 percent, Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., followed with 9.7 percent, physician Ben Carson with 8.8 percent. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla, and Ohio Gov. John Kasich all fell under 7 percent.