Celebrity Govs: What About Jeb and Arnold?

At times, basic competence has been an issue for Bush. His privatization of certain government functions, such as payroll, public defenders and technology, has been beset by logistical snafus and a few contracting scandals. And although he was considered a model of leadership during four hurricanes in 2004, Bush did not get such good reviews in the wake of Wilma because relief supplies were hard to come by. As he is about to begin his final year in office, Bush is often mentioned as a Republican presidential prospect in 2008 or 2012. Still, many observers think he will focus instead on promoting the possible political career of his telegenic son George P. Bush. Like any savvy politician, Jeb knows--as surely as Arnold does--that the only way to maintain star power is to keep building the brand.